Name: Edward Vander
School: University of Mary
Position: RB/WR
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 215

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

In my final collegiate season I was declared ineligible via NCAA. My clock expired during the Covid season. NCAA told me that because I continued to go to school without playing during that Covid year that I wasted the year.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took advantage of the extra year by getting my body in extreme shape, I work out hard everyday. I worked so hard to get ready for my last season and I ultimately did not get the opportunity to show what I can do.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I have been in many programs, I have had many different teammates, and coaches. I would say that many people are going to have different opinions on me. Every year that I have been in college I have grown as a man and those that know me now will have nothing but good things to say about the man that I have become.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When I am studying film I focus in on the trenches, the offensive and defensive line is always going to lead you to the promise land. Knowing what is going on upfront and being able to make immediate instinctive movements based on what is going on upfront is always going to result in positive yardage.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from other pro prospects at my position is the fact that I have fresh legs. I participated in fall camp this year before I was declared ineligible, and before that I haven’t played since 2019. I have fresh legs and at the running back position that is crucial. What also separates me is my receiving skills I am an extremely talented pass catcher, and route runner I very easily can make the switch to receiver and hold my own. Lastly, the adversity I have faced and amount of personal growth I have shown separates me as well. I know I will not be drafted because I did not play this year, but I have a very strong mental and I am a firm believer in the cream rising to the top.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My off-season plan to train and prepare for opportunities is playing with the Bismarck bucks in Bismarck North Dakota. I recently signed to play with them in March. I believe that will be good for me to receive updated film and to get professional reps.

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 will bring to a team that will stand out on and off the field is my personality for one, I have a very outgoing personality that usually attracts and enlightens others. I am a motivating person I never bring anyone else down.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My final pitch to the NFL. As I stated before I know I will be not drafted or even signed this go around. Moreover, I will be there someday because the cream will always rise to the top. I hindered myself so many times by making mistakes during my time in college which has caused me to be in the situation I am in right now. None of the mistakes I have made take away from the fact that I am flat out talented and this sport comes very easy to me, now that I have grown up and I understand right from wrong, I put maturity alongside my talent and I cannot wait to show you all someday that the NFL is where I have always belonged.