Eagles landing in the NFL

After all the ups and downs, all we wanted was for Mark Herzlich to have a chance. The New York Giants gave him one. As others have noted, Herzlich is just the latest BC-Giants connection. Multiple teams had interest, so I assume Mark signed with the Giants because of their assurances that he would make the team. I am happy for him and his family and cannot wait to see him make an impact in 2011.

Herzlich wasn't the only undrafted free agent to sign. Alex Albright -- whose injuries kept him from reaching his potential in college -- signed with the Cowboys. This deal surprised me a bit. Rob Ryan kept the 3-4 in Dallas, which leaves me wondering what position Alex will play. I don't know if he has the size to play DE? Can he play LB in the 3-4? I know Albright turned heads in his UFL tryouts, so he probably had options. Let's hope this was the right one.

Rich Lapham signed with Buffalo. Despite my occasional doubts about his potential, Rich's size will always open doors for him. Buffalo may prove to be a good opportunity.

James McCluskey joining the Raiders might be the most interesting signing of the day. After some UFL tryouts, McCluskey was somewhat resigned that the NFL would not happen. And then he got the call. I will stick to my guns that McCluskey can be a perfect NFL FB. He just needs to demonstrate his versatility.

Damik Scafe signed with the Chargers. Like his teammates in this class, Scafe had some real great BC moments, but just couldn't stay healthy.

The path from signee to official member of the final roster is long and treacherous. All of these guys will have to fight hard. I will update the news as it happens.

The new guys aren't the only ones making news. Some veteran Eagles like Matt Hasselbeck and Jamie Silva are looking for new teams. Pro bowler Damien Woody has decided to retire after a great NFL career.

Bicknell honors his father and other links

Bob Bicknell is now coaching with Buffalo and credits his father for most of his success. I hope the Bicknell's patch things up with BC, because it was nice have Jack SR back around when Jack JR was on Jags' staff.

I didn't note this early in the week, but BC announced the newest members of our Hall of Fame. Congrats to all those who were honored.

HD considers Kuechly the 14th most important player in the ACC. Rivals considers him the 78th most important in their 100.

Jamie Silva is hosting his football camp next week in Rhode Island.

Ryan Glasper is trying to catch on with Connecticut's UFL team.

One of Phil Steele's formulas has us going 11-1 this season.

BC storylines in the Super Bowl and other links`

We are nearing game time, so here are a few Super Bowl and BC links...

Jamie Silva has a professional cut his hair for the first time since 2003. Seems like bad luck to me, but this is the Super Bowl -- you want to look good.

Jo-lonn Dunbar won't play Sunday, but he will be across the field from one of his high school friends.

Recent signee Aaron Kramer has the right frame to be one of our Olinemen. Now he just needs to add some weight and strength.

New signee CJ Jones is expected to be a DB but also may get some touches on offense.

Beanpot prep and other links

Because Monday is February 1, the Beanpot starts early this year. The Globe did a nice job of asking players from each team about the event and what the tourney means to them. BC plays Harvard in the opener at 5 pm ET.

The Super Bowl is bringing some media attention to Jamie Silva, including recounting his dumpster diving.

The BC women improved to 3-4 in the ACC with a win over Miami.

Could Matt Tennant be snapping the ball to Matt Ryan again? Tennant was one of the Centers the Falcons tracked this week.

Another BC Center, Dan Koppen was honored in his home town this weekend.

This is a nice article on how Marty Reasoner changed his game to hang on in the NHL.

Jamie Silva: All-America

Jamie Silva earned first team All-America honors. Congrats and well deserved. Jamie is the perfect example of inaccuracy of forecasting high school talent. Intelligence, hard work, good coaching, desire, and physical and emotional maturity all go into becoming a great college athlete.

I don't know if Jamie has the size or speed to play in the NFL, but he's proven plenty of people wrong in the past. Good luck. He'll be missed.