Zach Edwards – DE
Redshirt freshman
Career stats: 1 tackle
If there’s a player who is going to come out of nowhere and develop into a highly productive starter/borderline star, my money is on Zach Edwards.
Before we jump into statistics and accolades and talk about the specifics of why I like Edwards, let’s first talk about the biggest reason he could emerge; opportunity. We all saw how much Louisville’s defensive line struggled at times last season, particularly against bigger and stronger offensive lines (Miami and Kentucky come to mind).
Creating pressure and filling gaps, not only in the run game but in the passing game, was not a strength of Louisville as they only were able to create 27 sacks and 78 tackles for loss in 13 games. Teams were able to take advantage of Louisville not having the necessary horses to rush the quarterback and play at full speed for a full 60-minutes, and it was a huge reason why the Cards defense struggled so much everywhere else.
Louisville will enter 2020 losing multiple players along the front seven, including starters G.G. Robinson (DT), Amonte Caban (DE), Ty Tyler (DE), Gary McCrae (DE/OLB), and Boosie Whitlow (OLB), meaning players like Edwards (and the other incoming freshmen) will likely all see the field.
This spring will be crucial for Edwards considering he really didn’t play much at all last season despite being one of the most hyped players entering the season in class of 2019. With those guys gone, Edwards will compete with returnees and several of the incoming freshmen who enrolled early for not only a significant role but potentially a starting spot.
Edwards without question has all the talent and physical tools required to break out on the defensive line. Listed at 6’3, 230-pounds (he’s probably sitting closer to 240 or 250 now) Edwards has the size, strength, and most importantly the speed to be dangerous.
After earning his first true snaps of the season against Wake Forest last season, Bryan Brown was asked about what he saw and what they think about his potential:
"“It was really good to get him in there and get him some reps in that type of an atmosphere and that type of game,. We were hoping to redshirt the kid, but he’s very, very talented. If we’re able to redshirt him and have him for the next four years, watch out because he’s going to be something special.”"
Coming out of high school, Edwards was listed as an ILB and was known for his tackling and ability to get after running backs and quarterback in the backfield. Following his massive season at Starkville High in which he recorded 79 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, Edwards was named first-team All-State and to the Mississippi All-State team by USA Today.
His offer sheet was as good as any prospect the Cards have landed in the last several seasons, choosing to play for Scott Satterfield over the likes of LSU, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State, and I’d have to imagine he came here expecting to play and play early.
Louisville is really hoping that after being able to redshirt his first season while getting a few snaps on the defensive line and on special teams, that Edwards can take that next step and blossom into the star many projected him to be. If he is able to have a big spring practice, don’t be surprised to see him take on the role that Caban held last season.