One player many considered the jewel of the undrafted free-agent rookie class has chosen to sign with the New York Giants.

Boston College linebacker and cancer survivor Mark Herzlich saw a major opportunity with the Giants, who need help at linebacker.

"It is a great opportunity for me to get in and play and be on a team," Herzlich said Tuesday during an interview on "SportsCenter." "And it is a great community feel, it is a family-owned team. I know the Maras and (coach Tom) Coughlin from Boston College. It seemed like a great place to be."

Speaking to reporters at the Giants' facility, which opened to players for the first time in months, CEO and co-owner John Mara said he "suggested" that the team sign Herzlich, an inspirational figure to many and a linebacker he described as "a prospect."

"He's a great kid and he's certainly had his share of obstacles to overcome," said Mara, who also told reporters that the Giants had yet to lose any of their own free agents as of late Tuesday morning. "And we're excited to give him the opportunity."

Herzlich once was considered one of the top linebackers in college football. However, he missed the entire 2009 season due to Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

He recovered in time to return for Boston College's 2010 season, when he recorded 65 tackles and four interceptions and started in all 13 games.

He is driven to prove to doubters that he can play, after teams passed on him in April's draft.

"My health is great right now," he said. "I had my checkup yesterday actually ... and everything was cleared and everything was fine."