Bruce Irvin was a game changer for the Mountaineers last season as he led the Big East Conference with 14 sacks after transferring from Mt. San Antonio Junior College. This year, Irvin knows the game will change for him as he is bound to receive additional attention from opposing defenses.
"Its going to be harder because teams know who I am now," Irvin said Wednesday morning following spring workout #11 for the Mountaineers. I’m going to be in there every down now so they will probably have a tight end or a running back trying to chip me or a guard coming out to help the tackle.
"Its going to be different being double teamed," irvin said. "But if they do that it means somebody else will be open. So its just as good.
"I know its coming and I’m already expecting it," Irvin said. I’ve go to work extra hard during the off-season because the Big East knows who I am. It is what it is."
With the increased attention focused on Irvin, WVU’s other veteran defensive end stands to benefit. Julian Miller will enter his senior season with 21 1/2 career sacks.
"If Julian has a monster season its just as good as me having a monster season. Hopefully he can get off to a great start and then teams will have to start doubling him again and taking them off me.
"He’s like a brother to me," Irvin said of his relationship with Miller. "We’re all in it together and that’s what its all about."
And how has Irvin’s life changed since his breakout season?
"The fans have always been great but it is different," Irvin said. "Everyone knows who I am when I go places now. But that is not the biggest thing. I had a good season but it was last year. Its in the past now."