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Former NC State linebacker Nate Irving is heading into the upcoming football season on a new team and hopefully with a newly recovered knee.  On November 2nd of last year as member of the Denver Broncos, Irving tore his ACL in a game against the Patriots.  Prior to that point he was having the best season of his career, recording 46 tackles through 8 games.  After hitting the free agent market, Irving signed a 3-year, $9.25 million dollar contract with the Indianapolis Colts on March 20th.  We caught up with Irving and got his take on his rehab, his new home, his time at NC State and his expectations for the Wolfpack this year.

How is your rehab going?
Rehab has been going very well. Each week I’m progressing and taking the right steps to get back on the field through building up my strength and stamina around my knee. More importantly I’m’ building back that confidence and trust in my knee. Right now I am ahead of schedule and I plan on keeping it that way.

How difficult was it to watch from the sidelines at the end of last year?
It was hard for me to get hurt.  Period. The season I was having wouldn’t have meant anything if we didn’t make it to the big game. It mainly hurt because I had to sit and watch my team go through the ups and downs knowing I was not able to help. I’m not saying I would’ve made a difference, but I would have loved to be out there with them. The competitor in me had a hard time dealing with not being able to play, not being able to practice or even workout.
How are things going in Indianapolis?
Things in Indy are going pretty good. I’m mainly doing my rehab and getting in the playbook. The playbook is coming along fairly well. I just have to make sure I stay on top of it even when I think I know everything already. I want to know the nuances of every play and every possible adjustment.
What are your goals for this year?
My main goal this year is to put together a full season coming off this knee injury. I want to be a reliable guy when I’m out there playing, and not a liability. A Super Bowl victory would be nice too. Haha
How did your time at NC State prepare you for the NFL?
The time at NC State helped me out a lot in getting ready for the NFL, on and off the field. I was able to learn from a few great coaches about discipline, professionalism and what it would take to be successful. I feel like the program and coaches also prepared me on the field by placing a premium on hard work, working out, how to take care of your body, and what it takes to think like a pro.
What were your favorite memories as an NC State football player?
I must say, my greatest memory ever at NC State was never losing to the Tar Heels. Hahaha. I have been through wars of games against them, with guys I called my brothers, and we were able to kick them every time. To this day, whenever I encounter someone from that team, it always feels good to say “I’m undefeated against the powder blues”.
What are your expectations for the Wolfpack this season?
I’m excited to see the program experience success. This is usually the time a program with a new coach picks up his system.  The coach gets the players he wants to run his system, and good things happen. I think we are ready to turn that corner and play for that ACC title. I am going to be watching and rooting every step of the way. Hopefully, I can make a few of the games…maybe even sneak a jersey and helmet on against a certain team.

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

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Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

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1 week ago

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April 27, 2024

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NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.

Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).

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