Just when we thought we could write off 2009 draft pick DT Corvey Irvin he has instead impressed his new boss:

On the transformation of defensive tackle Corvey Irvin from last year to this year: Truthfully, I did not know a lot about Corvey from last year, so it was a clean slate. From what I've seen, I've been impressed. I really like what I see from the young man. Other than having watched him on tape from last season and not knowing him personally, I've got to say I'm impressed. I think he is giving us the kind of effort that you would expect from a guy that wants to make a team and be part of what you do. That's what I'm looking for, and I'm real pleased with it.

You might recall Irvin lost his rookie season to injury (much like Zack Williams) and then spent the first 13 games of last season on the practice squad after cutting cut at TC. He played in two games last season and recorded 4 tackles. With NG Ron Edwards now likely lost for the season and his ability ot play both Dt positions, Irvin has an even better chance of making the 53 man roster:

On what position Irvin will play along the defensive front: He would be big at the three and he seems to be athletic enough to be able to help us at the nose as well. He can play more than one position as far as our defensive line is concerned, whether it's a one or three. I think he has that kind of ability.

Very nice to hear given the sudden loss to the projected starter. I still expect the Panthers to bring in a DT but I don't expect any free agent to be an automatic roster spot over Irvin. If he continues to impress he will get in the rotation...none too soon. In fact, the word from today's camp is Irvin is now running with the starters:

"It’s a blessing and it’s an opportunity," the 26-year-old Irvin said of running with the starters. "And I don’t want that opportunity to slip away. I’m taking every play like it’s my last. No matter how tired I get on the field I just try to go harder and harder."

It feels like a major bonus to have this kid step up when we were not expecting anything from him. I look forward to seeing what he can do next Saturday should he start.