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Irvin adds to his ring collection
Irvin earned his second national championship ring Friday when he and his Appalachian State teammates topped Delaware 49-21 for the school's unprecedented third straight Football Championship Subdivision. Irvin also picked up rings as a member of the 2003 and 2005 Gaffney Indians Big 16 state championship teams. "It's special," said Irvin, who has returned to Gaffney for the holiday break. "It means we are the best team in the country and that we are a darn good team." Irvin said this year's national title has more significance since he played an integral part in the team's success. Last season, Irvin watched from the sidelines as a redshirt. "This year just feels better," he said. "It means more because I played in every game." He started at center when the Mountaineers shocked the college football world by knocking off Division I superpower Michigan in the season opener. He started several more games at center before becoming part of a three-man rotation at guard in the team's eighth game. He even took a few snaps at tight end. Against Delaware, he played the third quarter at guard and moved to his natural position of center in the fourth quarter. Irvin said he knew right away the Mountaineers would claim another national championship. "This was probably the most relaxed the team had been all year," he said. "Everybody was laid back, but we came out fired up. When we scored on our first drive, then held them and scored again, I knew it would be our game." Irvin played the season with a shoulder injury. Irvin said although the injury hampers his weight training, he hopes to forego surgery as long as possible. With the graduation of the starting center and guards, he's expected to compete for a starting spot next season. "I don't think I could have picked a better school," he said. "I'm very happy here." |
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