Jarvis Byrd Ready To Move On From String Of Serious Injuries

Jarvis Byrd's college career is replete with bullshit misfortune. There was the incident against Carolina in 2009 that resulted in a torn ACL. Because it happened so late in the season, it cost him the 2010 season as well. He was ready to come back and contribute in 2011, but then this random-assed crap happened:

In an informal workout, he tore the ACL in his left knee during the walk back from the end of the play to the huddle.

"I was just walking back and my left knee buckled in and out," Byrd said. "I heard it pop. I remember thinking, ‘This can't be real.' "

Byrd managed to get back into playing condition for the 2012 season but suffered a quad injury against the Tar Heels, which kept him out for the rest of the year. If there is anyone on the roster who deserves a fair shot that is devoid of injuries in 2013, it's Byrd, who for now is penciled in as a starting safety.

"I can't wait to be out there, back in the starting lineup," Byrd said.

State's secondary could end up being pretty good even though it lost a bunch of experience; Dontae Johnson is versatile enough to handle a number of roles, and Juston Burris had his moments as a redshirt freshman last year. Both of those guys have the physical tools to do whatever Dave Huxtable's defense asks of them, and Byrd is talented enough to be an impact player despite so much time lost to injury.