Nate Irving is back.
Irving missed all of last season with a one-car accident that left him with a separated shoulder, a broken rib and collapsed lung on his left side, and a badly fractured left leg.
It was no sure thing that he would live, let alone come back to star on the gridiron.
But just 17 months later, he finds himself leading the N.C. State Wolfpack defense in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and quarterback hits, as the Wolfpack are two wins from the ACC Championship game.
Already with career highs in sacks and tackles for a loss, Irving is just seven tackles from setting another career record in the category.
“It’s a testament to how hard he’s worked,” North Carolina fullback Curtis Byrd said.
Two years ago, Irving led the team in interceptions, but the accident has robbed him of some of the speed needed to play in coverage. But Irving is still a fearsome pass rusher.
He makes plays in the backfield, evident by his 18.5 tackles for loss. That more than doubles his closest Wolfpack teammate.
“Their defense is vastly improved from last year,” UNC coach Butch Davis said. “They’re putting a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Their linebackers are playing outstanding. I can tell you that on film, he seems like the best linebacker we’ve played this year.”
