The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: First & Goal

Media Credit: DANIEL SHIRLEY Corvey Irvin, a senior defensive tackle, takes down Georgia Southern's running back Ricky Ponton during Georgia's 45-21 win. Irvin and the rest of the defensive line will need to step up after tackle Jeff Owens tore his ACL Saturday. [Click to enlarge]

With Jeff Owens out for the season with a torn ACL, defensive tackle Corvey Irvin knows he can't be Corvey Irvin anymore.

For Irvin, he said that feels he has to replace what Owens will not be able to bring on Saturdays for the rest of the season.

"I'm playing this year for Jeff," Irvin said. "I'm going to try to be the Jeff Owens now. You know, I'm not a quiet guy. I feel I have good leadership. I like to talk, I like communicating. And at game time I like to holler. That's what me and Jeff used to do, just talk to each other. Now he's not here. I have to play his role and play my role too."

Although Irvin is a senior, he's only been a part of the Georgia program for two years. He came to Athens after attending Georgia Military College for two years.

Now with Owens out, Irvin said he has to assume the responsibility that was held by someone with two extra years experience.

"I do feel the responsibility to step up and take leadership and take responsibility of the interior of the front four of the defense," Irvin said. "I mean, Jeff was the man, I'm not going to lie. He was the No. 1 guy. Everyone knew Jeff Owens. Now he's hurt and I hate that. And it bothers me to my heart and I believe that it motivates me for because now the pressure is on me to be the next man to play that role."

Irvin will step in next to Geno Atkins, who played next to Owens for most of last season. Atkins said it helps having Irvin on the line next to him.

"It eases my mind because he knows what to do," Atkins said. "I have confidence in him to do the plays. If I got hurt I'm pretty sure Corvey would be able to take over for me too."

Continued...

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