Name: Brendan Edwards
School: Cal U of PA
Position: CB/Nickle
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
This season I accomplished my number one career goal. I tried to leave a stamp on my play by going out and shutting down whoever I lined up against each week. My goal was to not allow more than 5 touchdowns in my whole career at Cal and I accomplished just that. I always look at it as if I can’t stop any receivers in d2, what makes me think I can stop somebody playing in the NFL or CFL. I let up 4 touchdowns my whole career, one of those touchdowns coming on “simultaneous possession” basically giving up only one touchdown per season after playing over a thousand snaps at corner. Another goal I had this season was how I graded out week by week. This year I had my best year being graded and I graded out in the 90’s throughout the year and to me that was huge.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
My coaches would say that I love to win at all cost, I’m a team player who does anything for his teammates no matter if it’s on the field or off! They would say I’m a passionate player who plays with a lot of energy and tenacity a guy who loves the locker room and his brothers.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m studying or breaking down film by myself, I’m always looking to see the opponent’s tendencies! When I watch the receivers, I usually break them down every play. I start off by how they come off the line, what kind of Receiver are they really? Do they come off the ball slow and lazy when they know it’s run or are they consistent with their habits and how they attack each play. Break indicators are also key, do they stand up and show you when they are about to break out their cut or are they hinged throughout the route, what other way can you make sure you’re on them every step. I always look at how they attack the ball, what kind of player they are if they don’t get a call, do they flip or do they keep cool. What are their strengths and weaknesses? I look at an offense and break them down 1st through 3rd down. What do they do on 1st, how do they react when they are behind the sticks and who are their players that they depend on to get them out of trouble, also that one sleeper player on the offense that nobody expects to see have a good game. You have to account everything when you watch film and knowing them like the back of your hand is a must.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I would say that me being an athlete separates me from your average player. I can cover big receivers and I can cover little receivers inside or outside the numbers. I also started out my career as a slot receiver and those traits will always be in me, so if I would have to switch or anything in that nature it wouldn’t be a problem. I feel that me being a quick twitch type of player, it allows me to do a lot of things that bigger kind of corners and other Defensive Backs can’t do. I also got some good soul in my feet, so punt return and kick return will also be second nature to me.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I am currently training with 2/10ths here in Pittsburgh, Pa. It’s a great program and we got several alumni who are in the NFL right now such as Aaron Donald, Trayvon Hester, and more.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities I would bring to the team would be me being a humbled teammate who loves the grind every day. The strengths I could bring to a team are that they can move me around anywhere they want on the Defense and I will fit because I can play every position! I’m smart enough to know what everyone else is doing so it makes my job a lot easier. Off the field, I love working with kids and I have done volunteer work with some of the teams I use to play on, trying to give back some of the knowledge I gained in my years of football. I went back to a few elementary schools in my hometown just to deliver them a message that nothing is impossible if you work for it. So they would be getting a player who is trying to help others see that if I can do this, they can to, and I want nothing but for the team to be successful.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
My final pitch to every NFL team and other pro league scouts is that I am a hard worker. I eat and sleep this game! You would be getting a player that can run with any receiver and can play all of the special teams. A player that is respectful and wants the best for my team and myself. I can be a nickel and I can be a corner playing one on one coverage. The leagues are getting more pass happy and I think it’s time we get some real shutdown Defensive Backs with some swagger back.
