Running back Keon Edwards entering CFL combine in Edmonton somewhat under the radar – Edmonton | 24CA News
Keon Edwards will head to the CFL’s nationwide mix considerably beneath the radar.
The Western Ontario working again definitely earned his likelihood to audition earlier than CFL coaches, basic managers and scouts this week in Edmonton.
He was a 2022 All-Canadian after accumulating 1,533 speeding yards and 12 touchdowns on 205 carries (7.5-yard common) and breaking the 100-yard speeding plateau in all 11 video games he performed.
But the five-foot-11, 230-pound Toronto native was left off the CFL Scouting Bureau’s winter checklist of the top-20 prospects for the league’s May 2 draft.
“Growing up I was never highly ranked,” Edwards mentioned. “I’m the type of guy (who’s) going to be quiet and work on his own, then try to fight his way out.
“Even coming to Western… I remember coaches, players telling me, ‘Why would you ever go to a team that has their backs set for the next four years?’ I’d rather earn my way up than concede to something that may not be the best choice for me. I’ve always had to prove myself, I think that’s always been my journey.”
READ MORE: Keon Edwards carries Western to 2022 Yates Cup crown
Sixty-seven Canadian prospects and 21 world gamers had been invited to the mix. The CFL’s world draft can also be May 2.
Ottawa’s Lake Korte-Moore, a six-foot-five, 262-pound defensive lineman at British Columbia, would be the mix’s top-ranked Canadian. He was No. 10 on the winter checklist however the 9 gamers above him, who all performed within the NCAA, aren’t attending.
The mix can even characteristic a revamped five-day format, a change from the normal three-day occasion.
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Prospects report Wednesday for medical testing and measurements. Thursday’s schedule requires particular person occasions such because the bench press, 40-yard sprint, vertical and broad jumps.
On Friday, gamers will take part within the first of three straight on-field practices at Commonwealth Stadium Field House. Each is not going to solely characteristic particular person drills and on-on-one testing however CFL coaches main positional teams and putting in offences and defences.
Edwards likes the emphasis being placed on practices.
“I know the combine is what they (CFL officials) like to see from us,” he mentioned. “But from a football (perspective), I just think I’m able to show the best of my abilities (in practices).”
Edwards amassed a strong resume at Western. Among his ’22 accolades was claiming the Larry Haylor Award because the Ontario University Athletics’ excellent participant after speeding for 1,032 yards and 9 TDs on 130 carries (7.9-yard common) in eight regular-season contests.
Edwards ran for two,653 yards on 373 carries (7.1-yard common) and 28 TDs over three seasons whereas including 19 receptions for 228 yards (12-yard common) and a landing. Edwards was a ’21 second-team All-Canadian whereas serving to Western win the Vanier Cup.
“He’s a complete back,” mentioned Montreal Alouettes GM Danny Maciocia. “He can pass protect, he can catch the ball coming out of the backfield, he can run the inside zone, he can run the outside zone.
“I think he’s got the ability to really be an interesting player at the next level. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll earn a living doing that the next few years.”
Edward mentioned enjoying for Western head coach Greg Marshall — a former CFL participant (Edmonton, 1982-84) and head coach (Hamilton, 2004-06) — has ready him for what may lie forward.
“What I learned from him the most is just how to be a man,” Edwards mentioned. “I learned a lot from him from the aspect of how to play back and how to make it to the next level.”
CFL officers will do extra than simply watch Edwards and different prospects carry out on the sector. Teams can even conduct interviews with the gamers, one thing else Edwards is trying ahead to.
“To me, I always have fun with it,” he mentioned. “Growing up, you always wished you were in this position to make it to the next level… I know this comes with playing this sport.”
Maciocia mentioned he’s already had a chance to interview with Edwards.
“He’s a humble young man… he’s extremely engaging,” Maciocia mentioned.
Edwards is crystal clear in regards to the impression he desires to make in Edmonton with CFL officers.
“I’d say it’s my character,” he mentioned. “My character is somebody that can stroll into the locker room, perceive my function, know what I’ve to do as a rookie or first-year participant in that group.
“I’m someone that’s always looking to win but at the same time be a good teammate to others. To me, personally, my character speaks for itself. I’m just looking to be the best I can be.”
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