Interview: Grinding in the Trenches with 3-Star 2022 Mississippi All-State OL Carter Edwards
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A big part of winning in football comes down to who wants it more. When it comes to Cater Edwards verses a Mississippi 6A defender, Edwards has shown he wants it more. The 6-6, 260-pound, Presbyterian Christian School tackle got mean on defensive linemen, linebackers, and any defensive back that got to close during the 2019 season. The will to dominate and pancake all from snap to whistle earned Edwards MAIS All-State honors, three-star recruiting status, and offers from SEC programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The 2020 season has already started for Edwards and the Bobcats, and college scouts are excited to see his progress. With a deeper look at Edwards, programs will be happy to find out he is a true student-athlete having already scored a 32 on the ACT.
Stepping into the RNG Lab for the first time, Edwards updates us on his progress this offseason with a look at his recruiting process.
Interview
Carter, before we get into your skills in the trenches, I want to start off highlighting your work in the classroom. Not too many sophomores have already taken their ACT much less scored a 32 on it. My questions, 1) were you expecting that high of a score on the ACT, 2) could you have missed at least one to make me feel better about myself, and 3) what is your nightly study routine with the books?
The first time I scored a 25, but knew I could have done better. When I retook the ACT, I was expecting a higher score but not a 32. I was hoping for a 30 but I passed my expectations. As for studying, when I get home after football around 7:00, I sleep until 8:00 and then study until I am done.
If your scholastic achievements were not enough, you got a mean streak in you going against Mississippi defenders. What pushes you to that point ready to plant anyone in another jersey on game day?
Before the game I stare at the other team thinking I hate this team. I am thinking I want to kill them and then get out there and play.
Did you guys track your pancakes and/or knock downs last season?
I don’t think so.
Putting you on the spot; if you had to guess, how many were you getting per game?
Per game, I don’t know. Maybe 10 to 15 per game.
Once the 2019 season had ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as a lineman?
My speed, 100 percent. My speed is a strength. I am fast with quick feet and I have good technique. On a screen pass I am getting downfield to hit someone.
Heading into the offseason, what were the key areas of your game you were working on with your pass-pro?
With my pass pro, I went to a lot of camps. They were the most helpful in developing my pass-pro. We don’t go over pass-pro in practice that much. At the camps, they coach you up on pass-pro then you go do one-on-ones.
What about with your run blocking? What have you been working on there?
The two things I have been working on this offseason have been stronger legs and adding weight; God gave me everything else. Once I get those down, I will be really good. I am good now, but those will help. I have been working on my technique a lot this offseason.
How have you added more power and strength to your game over the spring and summer months?
Over the summer I have been going to D-I after our practices. We worked on speed, agility and lift weights there.
What did you max out on in the weight room this summer on bench and squat?
My bench max is 270 and my squat is 400.
Which positions will you be playing during the 2020 season?
Right tackle, and maybe later they’ll need me on defense.
What kind of offense are the Bobcats running this season?
A Spread.
The Bobcats opened the season against Escambia Academy, how would you grade your performance?
I could have done better. It was okay… It was okay, but I could have done better. I did well, but not to my standards.
What did you do well and where are you already showing the big improvements in your skills?
I got bigger from last year, I gained 20 pounds, and my run blocking is better. Three out of four plays we run are running plays, that is what we are doing well. This season I have better speed and I am quicker.
You guys get the Lamar Raiders next, what kind of game are you expecting from them?
Three and five-man fronts with seven in the box.
What with your game are you wanting to showcase this season to college coaches?
Being aggressive for the entire game and not taking breaks.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Georgia has called. My coach said Clemson is showing interest – he talked to them about me, and I think Florida State and the Gamecocks (South Carolina) are showing interest.
Which schools have offered you?
Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Once the campuses open back up, do you have any planned visits or visits you’d like to take in mind?
I have none scheduled, but I would like to visit Ole Miss and Mississippi State, obviously. I did a Mississippi State camp before. LSU, maybe Alabama and Georgia, those would be cool visits too.
Carter, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your junior season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Edwards family; Carter Edwards