Irving Named Semifinalist for Butkus Award

10/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football

Oct. 22, 2010

RALEIGH, N.C. - Nate Irving has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

A native of Wallace, N.C., Irving leads the team in tackles (53) and sacks (4.5 for 24 yards) after returning from injuries sustained in a serious car accident prior to last season. He has forced two fumbles, and led the team in tackles against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.

Irving was named to the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list in August, and was selected as the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 26. Earlier this week Phil Steele's College Football named Irving a 2010 second-team midseason All-American and to its midseason all-ACC team.