With the 93rd Pick in the Draft, Carolina Selects…
By John White
The Carolina Panthers used their third-round pick (93rd overall) on defensive lineman Corvey Irvin from the University of Georgia.
From NFL.com:
Like most junior college players who join an established major college program, Irvin had to patiently wait down on the depth chart for his opportunity to start. When standout Jeff Owens was lost for the season after the Bulldogs’ third game last year, Irvin dusted off 16 games of reserve duty to step in and fill the void at left defensive tackle.
With Irvin teaming with fellow defensive tackle Geno Atkins, Georgia saw its anchors in the middle of the defensive front wall hold the opposition to 312.0 yards in total offense, including 122.31 yards rushing in 2008. Once in the lineup, Irvin’s solid play would see him hold on to that job for the final 10 games of his career.
Irvin was a Class AA All-State honorable mention by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at Laney High School as a senior, but when the major colleges failed to recruit him he enrolled at Georgia Military College. At GMC, he was rated 32nd on the Junior College Top 100 List compiled by Rivals.com. He registered 11 tackles, four for losses, and two sacks during the 2006 season, helping lead the team to the Golden Isles Bowl.
Irvin enrolled at Georgia in time to compete in 2007 spring drills. He spent his first season as a Bulldog playing behind Owens at left defensive tackle, appearing in 13 games. He managed 14 tackles (10 solos), including a quarterback pressure and 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage to earn his first varsity letter.
The senior could not unseat Owens or Atkins for a starting position on the interior front wall coming out of 2008 fall camp. When Owens suffered a season ending knee injury, Irvin stepped in to fill the void at left tackle. He went on to record 34 tackles (22 solos) that included three sacks, five pressures and 8.5 stops for loss. He also deflected a trio of passes.
Perhaps none of the seniors on Georgia’s football team were less ready to play their final game than Irvin. “It feels like I just got here,” he said. “And now I’m going to have to leave. I was a pup, I’m going to miss it – the good times, my teammates, the coaches, UGA itself. I’m glad I got to experience a big-time program like this. I’m going to be able to tell my kids and grandkids about it.”
Junior College
Attended Georgia Military College (2005-06), playing football for head coach Bert Williams…Rated 32nd on the Junior College Top 100 List compiled by Rivals.com…Made 11 tackles, four for losses, and two sacks during the 2006 season, helping lead the team to the Golden Isles Bowl.