Dylan Edwards has added his name to the ever-growing list of Colorado players leaving Deion Sanders’ squad this spring. Despite having a longtime connection with the head coach, it seems Edwards was falling down the depth chart and is looking for a more stable situation in 2024 and beyond.
Landing Spots for Dylan Edwards
On National Signing Day in 2023, Sanders spoke about his relationship with Edwards:
“It made it special because I had a tremendous relationship with his parents. Coach Andre Hart, a linebacker coach, coach Kevin Mathis, who coached with me from youth all the way up. We’ve coached that kid since I think he was five or six years old.”
Well, all good things must come to an end. After a promising true freshman season (76-321-1 rushing line and 36-299-4 receiving line), Edwards has entered the transfer portal in need of a new home. Which landing spots make the most sense?
Kansas State Wildcats
Edwards, a Kansas native, was committed to the Wildcats for a month before pledging his services to Notre Dame. DJ Giddens is the clear RB1, but with Treshaun Ward gone, there are over 100 carries up for grabs. At 5’9″ and 170 pounds, Edwards is a small back, an archetype Kansas State has had recent success with in Deuce Vaughn.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish held Edwards’ commitment for two more months than Kansas State, but he ultimately followed Sanders to Colorado. RBs coach Deland McCullough recruited Edwards heavily and should do so once again.
Audric Estime left a 200+ carry hole in Notre Dame’s offense, but the trio that rotated behind him (Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Gi’Bran Payne) all return this season. Even if Edwards didn’t win the lead-back role, he’d see plenty of time in the backfield (and possibly out wide) due to his pass-catching prowess.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs recruited Edwards out of high school, but there is a new staff in place for 2024. Former Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby is now at the helm, and Edwards fits his scheme beautifully. As Mississippi State’s lead back last season, Jo’quavious Marks rushed for just 582 yards.
Lebby will put much more emphasis on the running game, which was emphasized by his addition of Miami (OH) 1,000-yard rusher Rashad Amos. Yet, he is reportedly visiting Colorado this week. Could Amos and Edwards simply swap schools? Stranger things have happened in college football.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska went 5-7 in Year 1 of the Matt Rhule era and hasn’t had a winning season since 2016. Edwards could be a key piece to the offensive rebuild. The Cornhuskers offered Edwards a scholarship and even hosted him on a visit as a recruit, and their returning RBs combined for less than 50 carries last season.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden is primed to take the starting RB role at Colorado, which likely prompted Edwards’ departure. Why not take Hayden’s position with the Buckeyes?
KEEP READING: Outgoing Transfers Won’t Derail Colorado, But Deion Sanders’ Lack of a Long-Term Plan Might
Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form the nation’s deadliest RB duo, but there’s room for a third back in the rotation. Plus, one or both players could leave for the NFL Draft upon the conclusion of the season, vaulting Edwards up the depth chart entering the 2025 campaign. And if that wasn’t enough, new RBs coach Carlos Locklyn recruited Edwards while at Oregon last year.
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