Ireland will be one of North Eugene’s most important returning players this season. The senior returns as the Highlanders’ quarterback while also holding down the strong safety position defensively. He enters the season as a returning First Team selection at strong safety, giving North Eugene an experienced two-way contributor to build around. With his senior season ahead, Ireland should be one of the leaders of the Highlanders on both sides of the ball.

Ireland also made an impact at the varsity level, taking home All-Conference First Team at the running back position. That is pretty special for a sophomore. Ireland will benefit significantly from basic offseason training, as he needs to get bigger and stronger; his pads looked quite large on him. Filling out his body while keeping the same athleticism and elusiveness that made him so valuable this year will help Ireland take his game to a new level next season.