In late June of 2009, former linebacker Nate Irving suffered a collapsed lung, broken rib, separated shoulder and a compound fracture in his leg after a near-fatal automobile accident and did not know if he would ever have the opportunity to play football again in his life. Irving actually told reporters after the accident that he “felt blessed just to be alive.”
After his 2010 season, he is not only back playing the sport he loves, but he is being recognized as one of the top linebacker prospects in the nation.
Irving had his best collegiate season during the 2010 campaign, and earned several accolades along the way. He was named to the All-ACC first team, the Walter Camp second team, the AP All-America third team and the 2010 ACC Brian Piccolo Award winner, which is given to the “most courageous player in the ACC.”
Now, Irving is on a long list of NFL prospects for this year’s draft, but he has already earned the honor of the No. 6 overall inside linebacker. While he is projected to be chosen in the 4th or 5th round, Irving has been invited to the NFL Combine to raise his draft stock.
Irving also participated in the Senior Bowl – a game that annually pits the top seniors in college football against each other. The biggest part of the game is that scouts get a close look at all of the top seniors before the combine and the draft.
Technician spoke with Irving about the combine, Senior Bowl, the draft and much more:
Technician: I know you just got done with the Senior Bowl, how did everything go?
Nate Irving: Everything went well. It was nice to meet some of the best players and coaches before the draft and get to know them on a more personal level.
Tech: Do you feel that you improved your status after playing and practicing in the Senior Bowl?
Irving: I really don’t know what they were saying about me. They weren’t really in my face, so I’m not sure what they thought. If they thought that I looked good then I will take it in stride, because I was trying to maximize the experience everyday I was out there.
Tech: I know there was a lot of talk about you and Mark Herzlich being the two linebackers chosen for the Senior Bowl from the ACC. With both of you following similar paths to this point, do you see any similarities between you two?
Irving: Herzlich looks like he’s having fun all the time. He’s a lot like me because he is always full of energy. He appreciates the chance that he got to play football just like I do.
Tech: With the NFL Combine coming up on Feb. 24, what have you been doing to prepare yourself?
Irving: I’m down in Texas right now at a camp doing a lot of speed training and in the mornings we lift weights. We focus our efforts on what we can improve on and get a taste of what it’s going to be like out there.
Tech: With you being in Texas, did you get to see the Super Bowl?
Irving: Yeah, I actually went to the Super Bowl. I met a few guys out here and got the chance to go with some of them. That was an awesome experience. I went more as a fan though, just hoping to see a good football game.
Tech: With all the talk of a potential lock-out this season in the NFL, how do you feel about that whole situation?
Irving: Man, I just want to play football. Everyone just wants to play football. I’ve been waiting to play in the NFL, but everything happens for a reason. I just unfortunately have to sit back and see what happens.
