The underclassmen parade out of the collegiate level continues with confirmation that Hawaii has lost a player early to the NFL.
In a press release, defensive back Mike Edwards announced he will forgo his senior season with the Warriors to enter in the NFL Draft. While Edwards likely won’t merit consideration before the fourth round, the fact that he has two children likely played a role in his decision.
“It was a tough decision, one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my life,” Edwards said. “God was with me throughout the whole situation. I met with my family, Coach (Ted) Ginn (Sr.), Coach (Norm) Chow and those closest to me to help me come to this decision. It came down to what God wanted me to do and what my family needed me to do.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL. It’s a blessing to get this chance and now I have an opportunity to make a name for myself. I’ll always be grateful for my time at UH and I’ll never forget my experience there.”
Edwards began his career at Tennessee as a three-star prospect, but was dismissed by then-head coach Lane Kiffin in November of 2009 after he and two Vols teammates -- Janzen Jackson, Nu’Keese Richardson -- were arrested on armed robbery charges. Edwards ultimately pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, eventually landing at Hawaii in 2011 following a year at the JUCO level.
This past season, and while he tied for 12th nationally with 16 passes defended, Edwards was more known as a return specialist. His three return touchdowns were a single-season UH record, and he finished sixth in the nation with an average of 30.4 yards per kickoff return.
“I’m real happy for Mike and we’ll miss him,” UH head coach Norm Chow said. “I’ve always said one of our goals is to get our players in the NFL and also to make sure they graduate and Mike has promised me he’ll get his degree. We support him and wish him well and hope he has a long and productive career in the NFL.”