Armanti Edwards

Armanti Edwards

refer to caption

Edwards at Bears training camp in 2014.
No. 12Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position: Wide receiver
Personal information
Date of birth: (1988-03-08) March 8, 1988
Place of birth: Greenwood, South Carolina
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school: Greenwood (SC)
College: Appalachian State
NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 3 / Pick: 89
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status: Active Roster
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2013
Receptions: 6
Receiving Yards: 131
Touchdowns: 0
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at CFL.ca

Armanti Fredrico Edwards, Sr. (born March 8, 1988) is a gridiron football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.[1] He was the starting quarterback for the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team from 2006–09.

In addition to leading the Mountaineers to consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championships (FCS) in 2006 and 2007, Edwards became the first quarterback in Southern Conference history to lead his team to four straight conference championships.[2] He became the first quarterback in NCAA Division I history to throw for 9,000 and rush for 4,000 yards in a career, accomplishing the feat against Furman on October 31, 2009.[3][4] Later in the season he would become the first quarterback to pass for over 10,000 yards and rush for an additional 4,000 yards in a career.[5] In the same week that Adrian Peterson set the NFL single game rushing record at 296, Armanti rushed for 313 on 31 attempts against Richmond in the playoffs at Kidd Brewer Stadium (12/7/2007). He is also the first back-to-back and two-time Walter Payton Award winner, given to the Football Championship Subdivision's most outstanding offensive player, receiving the award in 2008 and 2009.[6][7]

Early life

Armanti is the son of Deborah Anderson and Freddie Edwards. At birth, Edwards weighed 4 pounds 11 ounces and was delivered 10 days late.[8] In September 2006, Freddie Edwards was convicted of a 2005 murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.[8]

High school career

At Greenwood High, under coach Shell Dula, he was named to the Greenwood Touchdown Club/Index-Journal All-Lakelands Team. Edwards originally played wide receiver, but in his senior year moved under center. The transition occurred late in the recruiting process, and he drew some interest from New Mexico State, Memphis, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. After only receiving an offer from New Mexico State, he decided to honor his commitment to Appalachian State, in part because they would let him stay a quarterback. Armanti Edwards graduated with a 3.3 GPA.[9]

College career

2006

Armanti Edwards led the Mountaineers to the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) National Championship in 2006 as a true freshman, beating the Minutemen of UMass 28–17. He finished the 2006 season with 2,251 yards and 15 touchdowns passing, and 1,153 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing. Edwards joined a select list as the fifth Division I player (Missouri's Brad Smith and Texas' Vince Young are among the others), and second freshman, to accomplish the feat of 2000 passing yards and 1000 rushing yards in one season.[10] Edwards was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year at the end of the season.[11]

2007

Edwards started the 2007 season by guiding Appalachian State to a 34–32 upset victory over fifth-ranked Michigan of the Football Bowl Subdivision on September 1, in a game that was named the "Biggest Upset of 2007" by Sports Illustrated.[12] In the game, Edwards threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns while also totaling 62 yards and a touchdown on the ground. On December 7, in a semifinal playoff game against Richmond, Edwards set the single game FCS rushing record for a quarterback, rushing for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns on 31 carries.[13] He also completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns. Edwards had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Heisman Trophy in the 2008 season.[14] Edwards established himself as a threat through the air and along the ground, and garnered elite status within the division. He and the Mountaineers won a third consecutive national championship, beating the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 49–21 on December 14. He outplayed future Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in that game.[15]

Edwards warms up prior to a game against Jacksonville University in 2008.

2008

Edwards (#14) with Pierre Banks (#31) in 2008.

The Mountaineers began the 2008 campaign against the LSU Tigers, the first time defending FBS and FCS champions have met to open the season.[16] However, LSU prevailed 41-13, with Edwards accounting for 216 of App State's 472 total yards. Edwards accounted for 440 yards of total offense, becoming the Southern Conference's all-time leader in yards with a 70–24 victory over the Wofford Terriers on October 31.[17] On November 15, the Mountaineers clinched the Southern Conference championship, joining West Virginia (1953–56), Furman (1980–83) and Georgia Southern (1997–2002) as the only programs to win four straight titles, with a 24–16 victory over the Elon Phoenix.[18] In his 36th career start, he became the 26th FCS player in history to surpass 10,000 yards of career total offense in Appalachian's win over South Carolina State in the First Round of the 2008 playoffs.[19] He was named the 2008 Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year,[20] and was the winner of the 2008 Walter Payton Award, given to the top FCS offensive player.[21][22] Edwards threw a career-worst 5 interceptions in a quarterfinal loss to eventual tournament winner, Richmond, denying Appalachian State their 4th consecutive FCS championship.[23]

2009

Before the start of the season, Edwards was involved in a lawn mowing accident, resulting in a trip to the hospital where he was treated and released.[24] The injury sidelined him for the season opener against the East Carolina Pirates, a game which the Mountaineers would lose 29–24. With a 27–10 victory over Elon on November 14, Edwards became the only quarterback in conference history to win four consecutive championships.[2] Edwards' college football career ended on December 12 in a playoff semifinal game against the Montana Grizzlies. The 24–17 loss was the highest rated FCS postseason game ever broadcast according to Nielsen and the NCAA.[25] The following day, Edwards graduated after just three and a half years with a degree in graphic arts. On December 17, in a landslide victory, Edwards received the Walter Payton Award making him the first ever two-time recipient of the award.[6]

Statistics

Season Passing Rushing
GP GS Rating Comp Att % Yards TD INT Att Yards Avg TD
2006 15 13 140.72 167 274 60.9 2,251 15 10 188 1,153 6.1 15
2007 11 11 159.34 148 222 66.7 1,948 17 7 237 1,588 6.7 21
2008 13 13 170.20 196 306 64.1 2,902 30 9 193 941 4.9 11
2009 12 12 147.90 257 378 68.0 3,291 12 7 137 679 5.0 18
Totals 51 49 154.54 768 1,180 65.1 10,392 74 33 755 4,361 5.8 65

Highlights and awards

Championships

Awards

* - Unanimous selection

Records

[37]

Single game

Single season

Postseason

Career

Professional career

Carolina Panthers

Edwards was selected in the third round, pick 89, of the 2010 draft by the Carolina Panthers. Edwards could see the field at a variety of positions including wide receiver, kickoff returner, and quarterback in the wildcat formation. He was first activated in the 2010 season for the October 10 game against the Chicago Bears.

2010 season

After a 34-3 loss against New Orleans and the loss of Matt Moore to the injured reserve list, Coach John Fox hinted that Edwards would see more snaps at quarterback in practice. Edwards was named the emergency/third quarterback for the first time before the November 14 game at Tampa Bay, but did not see any game action.

On December 12, Edwards featured at quarterback for one snap against the Atlanta Falcons completing a pass to fellow rookie David Gettis for no gain.

2012 season

After not getting much playing time in his first two seasons as a quarterback, the Panthers decided to switch him over to the wide receiver position.[38]

2013 season

The Panthers released Edwards on October 8, 2013.[39]

Cleveland Browns

2013 season

The Cleveland Browns signed Edwards on October 31, 2013.[40] He was placed on the team's injured reserve on November 20.[41] On December 23, Edwards was released with an injury settlement.[42]

Chicago Bears

2014 season

Edwards signed with the Chicago Bears on June 3, 2014.[43] He was released during final cuts on August 29, 2014.[44]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

2016 season

On February 24, 2016, it was announced that Edwards had signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[45]

Career NFL statistics

Year Team GP GS Passing Receiving Rushing Kickoff Returns Punt Returns
Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Sck Rate Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Ret Yds Avg Lng TD Ret RetY Avg Lng TD
2010 CAR 3 0 1 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 79.6 -- -- -- -- -- 1 7 7.0 7 0 -- -- -- -- -- 2 0 0 0 0
2011 CAR 16 0 1 1 100 11 11 0 0 0 112.5 -- -- -- -- -- 1 5 5.0 5 0 3 35 11.7 17 0 32 176 5.5 17 0
2012 CAR 16 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.6 5 121 24.2 82 0 -- -- -- -- -- 12 260 21.7 35 0 2 77 38.5 69 0
2013 CAR 4 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0 0 -- -- 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
2013 CLE 2 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 10 10.0 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- -- 4 28 7.0 12 0
Total 41 0 2 3 66.7 11 3.7 0 0 0 72.9 6 131 21.8 82 0 3 12 4.0 7 0 15 295 19.7 35 0 40 281 7.0 69 0

References

  1. Andrew Mason (2010-04-23). "After QB, Panthers target targets". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on 28 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
  2. 1 2 Appalachian Sports Information (2009-11-14). "Mountaineers Clinch Fifth-Straight SoCon Title". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
  3. Appalachian Sports Information (2009-10-31). "Mountaineers Rout Furman, 52-27". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
  4. Jason Gilmer (2009-11-19). "Did He Just Do That?". High Country Press. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
  5. "Edwards takes it: ASU quarterback wins the Walter Payton Award for the second time". Winston-Salem Journal. 2009-12-18. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  6. 1 2 3 "Armanti Edwards wins 2009 Walter Payton Award". The Sports Network. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
  7. Associated Press. "Edwards wins second Payton Award". ESPN. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
  8. 1 2 Thayer Evans (2008-08-29). "A Father's Prediction Becomes a Son's Tribute". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  9. Anthony Stalter (2008-08-20). "Is Appalachian State's Armanti Edwards a true Heisman candidate?". The Scores Report. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
  10. Mark Schlabach (2007-09-20). "Undersized and overlooked, Edwards shines at Big House". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  11. Appalachian Sports Information (2006-11-22). "Mountaineers Clean Up as SoCon Awards, All-Conference Teams are Announced". GoASU. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  12. "Biggest Upsets of 2007: #1 Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32". Sports Illustrated. 2007-12-13.
  13. Associated Press (2007-12-08). "Edwards' dominating night puts Appalachian State in title game, 55-35 over Richmond". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  14. Stewart Mandel (2008-12-13). "Edwards for Heisman?". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  15. Appalachian Sports Information (2007-12-14). "Thrice is Nice: Apps Rout Delaware For Third-Straight National Title". GoASU. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
  16. Associated Press (2008-08-30). "Edwards runs for 160 yards as Appalachian St. overwhelms No. 7 LSU". ESPN. Archived from the original on 12 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
  17. "Appalachian State Tops Wofford in Halloween Showdown". Southern Conference. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  18. "Appalachian State Clinches Fourth Straight SoCon Title". Southern Conference. 2008-11-15. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  19. Appalachian Sports Information (2008-11-29). "Edwards' Record Day Propels Appalachian Into NCAA Quarterfinals". GoASU. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
  20. Appalachian Sports Information (2007-11-25). "Mountaineers Sweep SoCon's Major Awards, Place 14 on All-Conference Teams". GoASU. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  21. 1 2 "Armanti Edwards wins 2008 Walter Payton Award". The Sports Network. 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
  22. Steve Behr (2007-12-19). "Armanti Edwards wins Walter Payton Award". The Watauga Democrat. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
  23. "Playoff roundup: Richmond dethrones Appalachian State". USA Today. 2008-12-07.
  24. Tommy Bowman (2009-08-07). "Injury to right foot sidelines Edwards". Winston-Salem Journal.
  25. Appalachian Sports Information (2009-12-15). "ASU-Montana the Highest-Rated FCS Broadcast Ever". GoASU. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
  26. "Edwards and Hollinquest Earn League Honor". Southern Conference. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
  27. 1 2 "2009 SoCon Media All-Conference Football Team Revealed". Southern Conference. 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  28. 1 2 "SoCon Announces 2009 Coaches All-Conference Football Team". Southern Conference. 2009-11-24. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  29. Appalachian Sports Information (2006-11-22). "Mountaineers Clean Up as SoCon Awards, All-Conference Teams are Announced". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  30. "SCSMA Announces 2006 Football All-Conference Teams". Southern Conference. 2006-11-22. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  31. "SCSMA Names 2008 All-Southern Conference Football Teams". Southern Conference. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  32. "SoCon Football Coaches Select 2006 Annual Awards". Southern Conference. 2008-11-22. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  33. "Coaches Select 2008 All-Southern Conference Football Teams". Southern Conference. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  34. "2007 Coaches All-Southern Conference Football Team Announced". Southern Conference. 2007-11-19. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  35. Appalachian Sports Information (2006-11-12). "Edwards Earns National, SoCon Recognition After Record-Setting Performance". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  36. Appalachian Sports Information (2009-11-02). "Edwards Grabs Record-Tying Fifth SoCon Freshman of the Week Award". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  37. Appalachian Sports Information (2009-12-17). "Edwards Wins Second-Straight Payton Award". GoASU. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
  38. Strickland, Bryan (November 4, 2012). "Armanti Edwards grabs hold of chance". Panthers.com. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  39. Wesseling, Chris (October 8, 2013). "Armanti Edwards to be released by Carolina Panthers". NFL.com. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  40. Browns Sign WR Armanti Edwards; May Get Chance to Spark Teammates
  41. Browns Sign WR Josh Cooper, Place WR Armanti Edwards on IR
  42. Wood, Jesse (December 23, 2013). "Cleveland Browns Waive Armanti Edwards". HCPress.com. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  43. Alper, Josh (June 3, 2014). "Bears sign Armanti Edwards, Micheal Spurlock". NBCSports.com. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  44. Gantt, Darin. "Bears part ways with receiver Armanti Edwards". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  45. Riders add four to roster Archived July 7, 2016, at the Wayback Machine.

External links

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