SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 ISSUE
Edwards Ready to Play, Feels ‘100 Percent’
ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards (center) congratulates teammate Cortez Gilbert during last week’s game at ECU. Mountaineer fans and players are looking forward to Edwards’ return to the starting lineup this Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Photo by James Fay
The first 10 yards were always sprints, but then Armanti Edwards would fall into a slow trot with his teammates during after-practice conditioning on Monday.
There was no limp or aggravated gait in his step. Edwards looked ready to play.
Just seeing the quarterback running on the practice field should make ASU fans smile.
Knowing he’ll likely start the home opener against McNeese State at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, should cause fans to rejoice.
He’s certainly ready to hear Kidd Brewer Stadium rocking with excited fans.
“It will already feel good just being out there, but playing at home will give me more adrenaline and excitement,” Edwards said.
The All-American quarterback from Greenwood, S.C., missed most of camp this fall and didn’t dress out for the September 5 season opener at East Carolina University. Edwards needed 35 stitches in his right foot after a lawnmower incident on August 5.
On Monday, he was at practice running the offense and even stayed after practice to throw more and more passes to his receivers.
“Right now, we will go with Armanti,” coach Jerry Moore said of the starting spot. “Something would have to happen during the week [of practice] for us to change.”
The biggest concern, Moore said, was how Edwards responded to playing at full speed.
“Conditioning isn’t the same as being on an elliptical, treadmill or a bike as it is out there running,” Moore said. “Conditioning is a concern as much as anything.”
Edwards, who ran for 941 yards and threw for 2,902 yards last season, said he felt “100 percent” after practicing the first day with his teammates.
Although DeAndre Presley and Travaris Cadet played well in Edwards’ place (combining for 47 rushing and 144 passing yards against East Carolina), other Mountaineers are excited to have Edwards back.
“I can’t wait,” receiver CoCo Hillary said. “He’s going to make the game that much more exciting. We played real hard [against ECU], and we expect to do the same thing this week, except we’ll add No. 14 out there.”
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