The Dylan Edwards Effect: Full reaction to the incoming transfer
The Dylan Edwards Effect: Full reaction to the incoming transfer
Former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards announced his decision to transfer to Kansas State on Sunday, adding even more firepower to an already impressive offense; we offer you a full perspective
The Derby, Kansas product has faced many obstacles and undergone significant challenges throughout their journey, making it a tumultuous experience thus far. In June 2022, he made the commitment to join the Wildcats as his first choice. Following that, he decided to reopen his recruitment and ultimately made the commitment to Notre Dame in August of 2022. After carefully considering his options, the athlete who was once named the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year made the decision to join the Colorado team and officially signed with the Buffaloes.
The running back, Edwards, caused a stir last week when he revealed his decision to transfer out of Colorado's program, making the Wildcats the frontrunners in signing the talented player.
Edwards is expected to be the backup for DJ Giddens, the Kansas State running back who had an impressive season with 1,226 rushing yards, 323 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns, earning him an honorable mention in the all-conference team. Furthermore, this will enhance the Wildcats’ offensive capabilities by adding a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield. Edwards provides another option but can be used in the slot in Johnson’s first season with the Wildcats.
The son of Leon Edwards, a former K-State running back from the 1990s, will be eligible to play for three years. He can play immediately after leading Colorado in rushing as a freshman last fall. Edwards’ pass-catching also gives QB Avery Johnson another target.
Quarterback Avery Johnson has been a close friend of the running back since they were young. Johnson is viewed as one of the top young quarterbacks in the sport. During the visit, Johnson was even Edwards’ host for the weekend.
Both Nebraska and Texas A&M. highly sought after the tailback Ole Miss reached out, too, but it was always unlikely the Rebels would have room for another running back. K-State always made sense. It’s where his dad went to school, where he initially committed, and where his playing time in the backup role will be substantial. He brings a unique element to the offense with his ability to catch out of the backfield and his speed.
Edwards, a speedy 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back, made a name for himself in Kansas high school history with his dynamic play. In his debut season as a true freshman, Edwards showcased his talent by rushing for an impressive 321 yards for the Buffaloes in 2023. In addition, he accumulated 36 receptions, gaining a total of 299 yards and scoring four touchdowns. In his Colorado debut, he scored three receiving touchdowns, helping the Buffaloes secure a thrilling 45-42 victory over TCU in the season opener. Dylan Edwards can also instantly bolster the Wildcats’ rushing game, making an immediate impact.
The Backstory
It is common knowledge in the sports world that a lot of kids play youth football growing up. But the key to this story isn’t just that he’s transferring to Kansas State; yes, that’s a part of it, but there is a bigger picture here. As of Dec. 28, 2023, a new quarterback is at the helm for the Wildcats. His name is Avery Johnson. He is one of the more promising quarterbacks in college football.
Avery Johnson, the starting quarterback for K-State, was not just a teammate to Edwards in youth football but also one of his closest friends. They had known each other since they were six years old, growing up together in the Wichita area.
Edwards discussed the process of becoming a Wildcat with Kansas State’s D. Scott Fritchen and provided some glowing remarks, comparing the Big 12’s newest dynamic duo to superheroes.
“Me and Avery on the same team, that’s like Batman and Robin, you know?” Edwards said.
He then mentioned the joy of signing to play at Kansas State, saying, “I just bawled my eyes out because I was full of joy that this was really happening.”
The transfer of the third-ranked running back recruit from the Class of 2023 signifies a transition that goes beyond the usual motives of seeking increased NIL endorsements or additional playtime. The significance of this event lies in the heartfelt reunion with a close friend and the nostalgic feeling of returning to familiar grounds.
What is the impact on Conor Riley’s offense?
During his time at Derby High School, the Panthers had an impressive record of 42 wins and 7 losses across four seasons. Additionally, Edwards showcased his exceptional skills by rushing for a remarkable 6,426 yards, averaging an impressive 10.3 yards per carry and 178.5 yards per game. Furthermore, he scored an outstanding 95 touchdowns during his high school career. His impact on the game extended beyond his receiving abilities. In addition to catching 40 passes for 556 yards and seven touchdowns, he also showcased his skills as a return specialist, scoring three touchdowns on kickoff returns and three touchdowns on punt returns.
Although Giddens is expected to be the primary running back for the newly appointed offensive coordinator Conor Riley and co-coordinator Matt Wells, there will still be a sufficient number of opportunities for other players to get involved. The trio of Giddens, Johnson, and Edwards poses a formidable challenge for opposing teams, making them a three-headed monster that could potentially be the most explosive backfield unit in the Big 12.
The backfield, which is already filled with talented players, becomes even stronger with the addition of Edwards, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. You could see many times last year when Giddens was looking beaten down; he didn’t get much of a break, with Treshaun Ward being injured a lot. I’m just going to say Dylan Edwards is better than Ward. The big issue that people are truly missing from his game is that he will line up in the slot frequently and in the backfield with Giddens.
Incorporating two running back sets into the offense will not only foster a greater level of creativity but also enable the team to strategically maneuver Edwards into different positions, ultimately granting him more opportunities to showcase his explosive playmaking abilities. When the ball is in his hands, Dylan showcases not only elite speed but also exceptional vision. By incorporating additional weapons into an offense that already showcases exceptional playmakers, Kansas State is poised to become an even more formidable opponent in the coming fall.
What will the Wildcats offense look like?
This offense is getting a facelift of sorts. It isn’t going to be an air raid offense, nor is it going to be a power-running offense. The best way to explain it is that it’s going to be a mix of West Coast offense sprinkled with a little bit of option magic. It will be something other than Giddens, who gets four plays, and then you put Edwards in for two plays. Edwards will get on the field as much as possible, involving him in the perimeter, the backfield, and various other areas. The Wildcats have been lacking a player with this specific skill set for quite a few years, so having someone like that would be a game-changer for the team. Edwards will allow the offensive coordinator to be able to open up the playbook for the versatility he can bring. Plus, having Edwards in the backfield will help Avery Johnson not have to run the ball 20+ times a game. Yes, Johnson running the ball is electric, and in certain situations, a QB run play is needed, but not 20+ times. The addition of Edwards allows Kansas State to do that.
In short-yardage situations, you’ll see Giddens at fullback and Edwards on the other side; maybe they will give it to Giddens or Edwards. They are going to have many options (no pun intended). There will be a lot of two-back sets, some triangle sets where Johnson is the deep back, and both running backs are flanking him. There will be some crossbuck action where one running back receives the ball from the quarterback while the other fakes possession (gives running backs more gaps to run to). You’ll also see some play action-pass, attacking the perimeter. Due to the versatility of the backfield, numerous formations will be implemented, offering a variety of tactical options. Every offense desires the kind of versatility that the Wildcats currently possess. With the newfound ability, you now have the opportunity to be part of numerous formations that will consistently apply pressure on the opposing defense.
In Manhattan, Kansas, this fall, Kansas State fans should be thrilled to witness the arrival of a top-tier playmaker who will undoubtedly enhance the team’s performance. Even with the past with Dylan Edwards initially committing and recommitting with Kansas State out of high school, if Chris Klieman and the Kansas State staff can put that behind them, so should everyone else, and enjoy having a great player join the squad.
Head coach Chris Klieman will undoubtedly be eager to integrate Edwards into the lineup, with the aim of creating a strong offensive unit that can compete at the highest level.
The anticipation is high within the football program at K-State as Edwards and Johnson, who have a shared history and friendship, reunite. This dynamic offensive partnership is expected to pave the way for success on the field and build a bright future for the team.
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