“The receivers run better routes, and the quarterbacks are on the money every time,” Irvin saidTuesday night via phone from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. “If you are behind your man at all, you’re beat.”
The same could be said for an undrafted rookie free agent, from a small college, attempting to make an NFL roster against the odds — there’s no room for error.
At mid-week, the Cardinals roster included 94 players. By the Sept. 11 season opener at home against Carolina, it will contain just 53 names. The former North Meck High and Wofford Collegestar, who now dons No. 33 in red, is trying to make sure his name still remains. He’s hoping to get a shot in the Cardinals’ first preseason game, which is Aug. 11 at Oakland, and beyond.
“It’s hard for undrafted free agents,” he said. “There’s a lot of guys here. You just gotta try to do your best to stand out.”
That’s the case both mentally and physically.
“Guys can get cut at any time,” said Irvin, who is from Davidson. “There have already been guys getting cut. You have to study all your stuff and not just in meetings, so you can get a leg up on someone.”
There is no shortage of material to study for the former business economics student. In an online interview this week, one Cardinals rookie, when asked about the team’s playbook, said he didn’t realize they made binders that big.
“It’s huge,” said Irvin. “It’s the only thing in my backpack right now, and my backpack is pretty heavy.”
Understanding a coverage or package is only the beginning, however. Implementing it adds another challenge. There’s a short window of reaction time, and defensive backs are covering talented receivers.
“To guard them, you have to have really good technique, be fast and know exactly what you’re doing,” said Irvin.
Irvin has not yet matched up one-on-one with receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who is regarded by some as the game’s top wideout. But he’s been keeping an eye on him and looking forward to the chance.
“He’s made some pretty miraculous catches out there,” said Irvin. “He’s an awesome receiver.”
The players are staying in NAU’s dormitories, and because he’s among the youngest on campus, Irvin said he feels a little bit like a freshman. But he’s not alone in class.
He again finds himself covering receivers Sean Jeffcoat and Andre Roberts, who played at fellow Southern Conference schools Elon and The Citadel, respectively. And the Cardinals have two other undrafted rookie safeties, Jared Campbell of Miami and Andrew Rich of BYU.
In all, the Cardinals have 43 rookies on their roster.
All of them are trying to make their mark by making the cut.
“I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be,” said Irvin.
