Wolfpack linebacker and redshirt junior Nate Irving was involved in a one-car accident early Sunday morning that landed him in the hospital with a collapsed lung and a broken leg.

“Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Nate and his family,” head coach Tom O’Brien said in a statement. “All of his teammates and coaches will be there to support him as he recovers and goes through the process of rehabilitation.”

Irving underwent surgery at WakeMed Trauma Center Sunday. The procedure went well, according to reports.

Through the N.C. State media relations department, O’Brien said Irving was aware he was “lucky to be alive” after the accident. O’Brien said his staff will not talk to him about returning to training camp for several weeks.

Irving was traveling to Raleigh from his hometown of Wallace, N.C. on I-40 West in Johnston County. According to Johnston County highway patrol, at 4:40 a.m. the left side wheel of Irving’s 1999 Chevrolet went off the road into the grass median, then he swerved off the road to the right. The car struck two trees and came to rest in a ditch.

State troopers reportedly suspect Irving might have fallen asleep at the wheel before the crash. Irving has been charged with reckless driving.

Though he missed almost a third of the season with injuries, Irving was an honorable mention All-ACC performer in 2008. He tied for third on the team with 84 tackles and was starting to show signs of the dominant player he was before a series of injuries hampered his career.

The football season begins Sept. 6 at home against South Carolina.