Written by Jerry McGhee | 13 May 2012

Former West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin is still one of the most beloved Mountaineers of all time. If it was Irvin's smile, the swag he carried, or his motor on the field, he drew the attention of every Mountaineer fan, and usually the opposing quarterback.

Now Irvin has moved on to the next chapter in his life, the NFL. Being the 15th selection in this years NFL draft brings pressure and expectations, but also pleasure knowing that all of the hard work has paid off.

NFL rookie mini-camps are taking place now all over the league. The Seahawks started their camp on Friday, and that brought the first glimpse of the man WVU fans simply call BRUUUUUUUCE.

Not only is he getting use to a new area, new coaches, new scheme, but he is also adapting to the tempo of the game.

"It felt good. I’m starting a new chapter of my life. It’s different than college, but I think I did pretty good. I think defense overall we had a pretty good day as far as it being the first day of us all working together."

Irvin knows how blessed he is to be in this spot, and have this opportunity in his life. He is willing to lay it on the line to succeed.

"Just coming in and working hard and doing the best I can. I’m not going to come in and try to do too much because that’s when you mess up. I’m going to
come in and I’m gonna be Bruce, just like at West Virginia. I’m gonna get in where I fit in. I’m going to come in and work hard every day and when it’s time
for me to go in I’m going to make the most out of the situation."

That work ethic has already caught the eye of head coach Pete Carroll. He didn't spend alot of time with Irvin, but when he did, he liked what he saw.

"His effort was excellent," Carroll said. "His command of what we are doing was really good. He is not going to have any trouble learning what is happening. He has been a pleasant surprise that it comes easy to him. That's a really good deal for us to be able to push him forward. He practiced really hard. That's what he showed. His effort was there. I need to see the upside of some of the moves and what he did on film. That's a great start for him."

Many draft experts blasted the Seahawks for taking Irvin in the first round, digging up all the red flags he brings to the team. It seems on this day, the Seahawks got the hard working kid with the fast motor that wants to compete and help his team win.

Head coach Pete Carroll continued on Irvin:

"Bruce worked really hard. Again, I didn’t evaluate him as much today as I will on film, but I checked with (Seahawks defensive line coach) Todd Wash and with (defensive coordinator) Gus (Bradley) coming off the field, and halfway through practice as well, and (Irvin’s) effort was excellent. His command of what we were doing was really good. He’s not going to have any trouble learning what’s happening. He’s been that pleasant surprise that it comes easy to him – that’s a really good deal for us to be able to push him forward. He practiced really hard. That’s what he showed – his effort was there. I need to see the upside of some of the moves and the things he did, but it was a great start for him."

Sounds like Seahawk fans will soon be yelling for BRUUUUUCE.

Stay with EERinsider.com for all your WVU and recruiting news.

2012 NFL Draft: 1st Round: #15th Pick: Seattle Seahawks (NFL Network)