DE Nick Larkin (#57) comes after Michigan State's Brian Hoyer during the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl. Photo courtesy of Life.com
In 2003, DE Nick Larkin was forced to redshirt his freshman season as he was still recovering from an injury suffered while playing at Saint Xavier. Though he was unable to play that year, his passion for football and dedication to the game landed him back on the field in 2004. In a much anticipated debut, Larkin finally saw action as BC took the field against Ball State at Scheumann Stadium on September 2nd, 2004 in which BC won 19-11. Larkin had an impressive first game, amassing 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Fast forward to 2007.
Nick Larkin, a 3 year starter and recipient of BC’s prestigious Scanlan Award (along with QB Matt Ryan, awarded for outstanding scholarship, leadership and athletic ability) finished his senior season with 35 tackles, 6 sacks, 10 TFL, 1 FF, and an INT for a TD. Since walking off the field in his final collegiate game, Nick has pursued his graduate degree, earning a master’s in health counseling.
The Matador had the opportunity to sit down with Nick Larkin to discuss life, football and beyond.
Growing up, did you always want to play football? Who was your favorite player?
NL: In fact I didn’t begin playing football until 4th grade. When I did begin playing, my favorite player was and remains (rest in peace), Reggie White.
You played high school football for powerhouse St. Xavier, how did that prepare you for Boston College and Big East/ACC football?
NL: It prepared me well in several regards. First and foremost, it taught me how to take coaching and how to take criticism.
You were recruited by major D-1 programs to include ND, Michigan, and Ohio State, how would you describe your recruiting experience? What separated BC from the rest?
NL: Exciting and flattering. I was a “middle of the road” college recruit, but oftentimes was made to feel by recruiters as if I was the greatest gift to college football. I was offered scholarships by schools who at that time had ‘good’ football programs. I was passed over by schools who consistently landed the blue chip recruits such as ND and Ohio State. But…many schools made it seem like I was the number 1 recruit.
BC stood out because they had a very good football program, were an outstanding academic institution, and the coaches and players were of excellent character.
How did you feel about the transition from the Big East to the ACC? What impact did that have on you, the team?
NL: We were very excited. To us it meant going to a better overall conference. The ACC had schools with better teams and bigger stadiums and the conference as a whole received more TV exposure than the Big East.
The switch to the ACC did not change BC’s football philosophy (establish the run on offense and stop the run on defense) but likely did help attract more talented recruits coming out of high school.
Who is the best collegiate football player you ever faced?
NL:Matt Ryan and Gosder Cherilus in practice every day.
What was the one game or moment in your collegiate football career that topped all others?
NL: Beating Virginia Tech on Thursday night my senior year. That game showed the character of our team.
Which DE should we keep an eye on in this upcoming season?
NL: Alex Albright, senior DE Boston College
You had the opportunity to play with Matt Ryan, who is having a stellar NFL career. What’s something that people don’t know about him?
NL: He is a good person who puts morals above football, but most people already know that.
If you could give one piece of advice to a heavily recruited high school athlete who aspires to play D-1 ball, what would it be?
NL: Be passionate about football, work hard, want it, and enjoy it, but above all don’t love it more than people or more than God. Be sure to have your priorities in order. Football is a thing and a game, which certainly can be a wonderful part of your life, BUT DON’T MAKE IT YOUR LIFE. Football has functions and value but it cannot and will not love you back like your friends, family, and God.
What’s your experience like working for The Gosder Cherilus Foundation? How can more people get involved?
NL: Awesome, for lack of a better word. Visit us at www.gosdercherilusfoundation.com. There you will find opportunities to help with relief efforts in Haiti and underserved populations in the U.S.
