Boise State Roster Countdown 2021: Day 55, Shane Irwin

Another day, another palindrome. Nearly halfway done with this thing! With 55 days left until the season starts in earnest, today we’ll look at #55 on the Bronco football roster—Shane Irwin

#55, Shane Irwin, RS Senior, DE

Stats

Height: 6’ 3”

Weight: 265 lbs (+11)

High School/College: Palos Verdes HS, Palos Verdes Estates, CA/Long Beach City College

How’d he get to the Blue™?

Mr. Irwin committed to the Broncos back in December after an initial offer was made from Boise State in November. Irwin did initially start his career at MWC rival San Diego State University. As things tend to happen he left there, went the JUCO route at Long Beach City College, and now where he is supposed to be. While at LBCC he recorded 47 tackles (25 solo), including 14.5 for-loss and 8.5 sacks.

Nickname

“Hacksaw”

The beard. The flow...it’s so reminiscent of American icon Jim Duggan.

Look-a-like

Non-cycloptic Snake Plissken

Career Highlights

Notched 30 tackles (7 for loss) and 6 sacks in 7 games with the Broncos in 2020. Registered 47 tackles (14.5 for loss) and 8.5 sacks as a sophomore at Long Beach City College (2019).

2021 Prospectus

I knew that the LBCC duo of Shane Irwin and Divine Obichere was a “good get” last offseason, but didn’t know how good until the at-times-bizarre 2020 season played out. Irwin didn’t make people completely forget about sackmaster Curtis Weaver, but he pleasantly surprised us with his motor and grit—ending up on the All-MWC second team after his first not-so-full season with the Broncos. God willing, the Boise State D-line will be healthier in ‘21 and Irwin will really show what he can do. I think the interior D-line should be a real strength of the defense and with Andy Avalos back with some modicum of control, the defense as a whole may just be in for a rocket ride. I expect Irwin to pick up where he left off in 2020 and lead the team in sacks. Last year, he doubled up the next-closest man in QB drops (Isaiah Bagnah) and suspect he’s got double-digits in him this year. I think a healthy Demitri Washington pushes him in that department, but whomever comes out on top...expect opposing quarterbacks to a be a little more nervous in 2021.

Is he on Twitter?

He is, but not a prolific tweeter (which is OKAY) so I’ll just drop his handle here —> @irwin_shane55

Completely made up fact

For my money, Irwin has the best locks on the team...but he refuses to use traditional hair products as they aren’t “manly” enough. To achieve his signature look, Irwin uses sod, sawdust, decking screws, the tears of fallen enemies, and mud—for extra hold.