clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Miami Player Profile: Gus Edwards

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile two players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Jerry Steinberg
Justin K. Aller

Gus Edwards

Sophomore - RB - 6'2 235 - Staten Island, NY

Last year the powerfully built  big back rushed for 338 yards and 5 TDs, with an impressive 5.1 average.

Did a lot of his damage early on during garbage time, but got more and more substantial PT as the season progressed, giving UM a nice compliment to some of the smaller RBs on the roster.

Here's a brief look of him in action (note this was very early in the season, against an over-matched opponent):

Summary: This season Edwards likely competes with true freshman Joe Yearby for the second seat at halfback on Miami, behind superstar Duke Johnson.  And clearly as a runner  he has big time talent. Edwards has exceptionally quick feet for a man his size. He shows above average speed, nice vision, and sharp cutback ability as well. He can also run with power, though I'd like to see him get his pad level lower at times. The real questions though are, Can Edwards contribute at all in the passing game as a receiver and can he pass protect/pick up blitzes effectively?  If he can he might see 15-20 snaps a game.  If not Yearby could take over when Duke needs a breather. Johnson is the best player on the team, but the 'Canes would benefit by lessening his work load to keep him fresh and protected from injury. Thus, Edwards and/or Yearby will get plenty of carries.  My guess is that Edwards takes the early lead as #2 because of his experience. By year end Yearby probably surpasses him as the more talented player.  Nonetheless look for "Gus the Bus" to rush for close to 500 yards and a half dozen scores this season.