When Tennessee extended cornerback Terrance Edwards Jr. a scholarship offer on Friday, he “instantly” called his dad.
“We were both hyped,” Edwards told Off The Hook Sports. “My dad (gets) excited like me when I get offers.”
Edwards not only shares excitement with his father, but they also share the same name. Edwards was dubbed “Deuce” as a nickname “since birth,” and it has stuck ever since.
“Deuce island is the place to be,” he said.
Tennessee has made a great first impression on Edwards. The Richmond, VA native is being recruited by grad assistant Evan Crabtree.
“I love Tennessee,” Edwards said. “I can’t wait to visit Rocky Top.
“I talked to Coach Crab when he offered and he let me know how excited they are about me and how I’m one of the main targets for them in (the class of) 25. So, I’m looking forward to building a relationship with Coach Banks, Coach Martinez and Coach Heupel.”
Edwards plans to have a busy March, returning to visit Oklahoma and Virginia Tech again. He has also taken visits to Colorado, Virginia, Florida State and Maryland.
Edwards is planning a trip to Knoxville “real soon,” but he is not sure when.
Early in his recruitment, Edwards is not ranked by 247Sports yet. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback had a stellar sophomore season though.
Edwards did not allow a touchdown in coverage this season, finishing the year with two picks and 14 pass breakups. He prides himself on locking up the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver.
“As a cornerback, you always want the challenge of going up against the other top dog,” he said.
Edwards sees his role in college being very similar to that in high school – locking down the opposing team’s top receivers.
“I see myself playing and being the top cornerback, man coverage on the No. 1 wide receivers or whatever scheme coach sees best for me and the success of the team,” Edwards said.
Tennessee’s scheme is not friendly to defensive players. The high-tempo offense the Vols run means that the defense is often left with little rest and spending a lot of time on the field.
Edwards is not worried about the lack of rest, if he were to become a Vol.
“Lets me know that I gotta be in top shape,” he said “Gotta train hard and be prepared so fatigue isn’t a factor.”
Football is not the only factor weighing on Edwards’ mind. He wants to go somewhere where he can succeed as an athlete, a student and a member of the community.
“I’m looking for a school that I fit in as a student and within the community,” Edwards said. “Football is football but I’m going to be a student of the school and a resident and member of the community. So, its important that it’s a school that I’m comfortable at.”
