Question and answer with Georgia defensive tackle Corvey Irvin, the Panthers' third-round draft choice (93rd overall).
!On his road to the NFL: It was tough, but nothing in life is easy. Coming where I'm coming from - going to junior college - it was a military school to be exact. Going through all of the military stuff coming out of high school, not being used to that, it was kind of tough for me. I'm a hard worker; I have a good work ethic. I put that to use when I went to Georgia Military (College). At first, it was very tough for me. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I met some close friends down there. We had each others' backs. Georgia Military taught me a lot - from character to loyalty to just how to be a man. I got to Georgia my junior year, and Georgia was tough, too. But I took what I learned from GMC and I was a great player at Georgia. It's been a long road, but I'm here now and I want to make my NFL career a great one.
On if he thought he needed to go to military school after high school: I'm not going to say that but I could have used some good discipline, some character. Georgia Military was the best thing to ever happen to me. They gave me a second chance at life - just do what's right - and like I said, be a man. I owe all that to Georgia Military and Georgia. It's great to be alive today. I feel like it's Christmas morning right now. I'm just so proud.
On how he would describe himself following high school: I would describe myself as a young man who was kind of lost. He really didn't know what life was going to be like after high school. It hit me my senior year after we (Laney High School) played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. We went to the semifinals (of the state playoffs), and that was the last game of my football career. On the ride home, I was sitting back, thinking about what life was going to be like, because I didn't even think I was going to college. But I met this guy named Bert Williams, and he was the head coach at Georgia Military. He told me, "You're a great, young man with a bright future. If you believe in me and believe in my program at Georgia Military, anything is possible." That school taught me a lot, and I want to give credit where credit is due. I am going to take my hat off to GMC and Georgia.
On if any Division I colleges recruited him out of high school: My biggest offer was maybe Fort Valley and South Carolina State, I think.
On what colleges recruited him out of Georgia Military College: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Southern Cal, Iowa, Mississippi State, Auburn, Oregon.
On if he was surprised to be drafted considering where he started: I was kind of surprised, because when I got to Georgia no one really knew me. It took me working hard, Jeff (Owens) being hurt and belief and faith from everybody around me. I did well. I'm happy. My mouth is so full right now that I can't even get my words out.
On where he expected to be picked: I expected to be picked around this time, third or fourth round. I had a feeling it was going to be Carolina. I broke down all of the teams and saw what everybody needed. When I started seeing Carolina, Atlanta and Tennessee, they all (had similar needs), so I started getting a little anxious. Then I saw the 704 area code pop up, so I knew it was the Carolina Panthers. Me and the d-line coach (Brian Baker), we hit it off real well at pro day. He was very impressed with my work.
On what his role will be with the Panthers: They expect me to come in and be a player, whatever they need. A role player or starter, I really don't know. But whatever they need from me I can give 100 percent.
On his strengths and weaknesses: My biggest strength is being able to cause corruption in the pocket. I can rush the passer real well and I can also play the run, too. I really don't have any weaknesses. I just need to work on my overall strength, get a little more coaching, more technique, a little more fundamental work and just listen. If I can put all that together I'll be a well-rounded athlete.
