Brian Irvin is looking forward to an exciting fifth-year senior season that could provide him with an opportunity to become a more significant contributor on the field. A player with a great work ethic and attitude, Irvin was at defensive end prior to being shifted to tight end as the 2011 season unfolded. The new pro-style offense the Nittany Lions are implementing provides opportunities for multiple tight ends to be on the field at the same time. The coaching staff has taken note of Irvin[apos]s efforts and desire during the spring and winter strength and conditioning sessions. In the 2012 Blue-White game, he made an 18-yard reception. Irvin is on schedule to graduate in December with a degree in crime, law and justice. The former Gettysburg High School all-state honoree earned Academic All-Big Ten honors last season.
2011 Senior Season
Irvin moved from defensive end to tight end and played in 12 games, on offense and special teams. He helped the Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed, with 14 in 13 games, and provided lanes for Silas Redd to rush for 1,241 yards. Irvin was on the field for a season-high nine plays in the road clash at Temple. Irvin earned 2011 Academic All-Big Ten honors.
2010 Junior Season
Irvin saw his first action as a Nittany Lion in the Youngstown State, Kent State, Illinois and Northwestern contests.
2009 Sophomore Season
Irvin provided dedicated efforts on the practice field and in the weight room and as a member of the foreign team, but did not see any playing time.
2008 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Irvin was a first-team Class AAA all-state honoree for Coach Sam Leedy at Gettysburg HS. A team captain, Irvin also was a PA Football News Class AAA first-team all-state linebacker, Defensive Player-of-the-Year and All-Academic. He recorded 269 career tackles, 11.5 sacks and three interceptions, breaking the school season record with 162 hits as a senior. The Mid-Penn Keystone Conference Defensive Player-of-the-Year, Irvin helped his team to District 3 runner-up honors. He also was a two-time first-team all-conference choice in baseball. Irvin and Nittany Lion wideout Evan Lewis were prep teammates at Gettysburg.
Personal
Full name is Brian Patrick Irvin. He is the son of Dave and Maureen Irvin and has an older sister, Kelly, who is a Penn State graduate. Irvin enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time. He is enrolled in the crime, law and justice major and would like to become an FBI or Secret Service agent. Born April 11, 1990 in Hanover, Pa.