Last summer Irving was poised for a breakout year for the Wolfpack and to impress NFL scouts who had Irving on their radar screen. Last summer those plans changed.
Irving totalled his SUV in a single car accident, you can see the extensive damage in this photo. (Courtesy: NC State) Irving suffered a broken rib, a punctured lung, an open fracture of his tibia and fibula and a separated shoulder. He was very lucky to be alive.
Here's an interview with Nate Irving from our friends at WRAL-TV.
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))
I spent some time with Nate Irving 3 weeks ago at NC State. This is a guy while healing from his physical injuries was hurting just as bad inside because Irving felt he let his teammates down.
Irving told me that it was tough to watch his teammates go to battle and get beat up each game and he couldn't help.
You might recall NC State was picked by some (and me) to win the ACC Atlantic Division last year and without Irving patrolling the field the Wolfpack defense had a hard time stopping their opponents. The Wolfpack defense was around the bottom in the ACC in all defensive categories. That contributed to a 5-7 season and no bowl.
This year Nate Irving is renewed, re-energized and ready to hit someone. He knows he's getting a second chance and ready to make the most of it.
For those teams on NC State's schedule, you have been warned.
It wouldn't surprise me either if Irving ended the 2010 season ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
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