Edwards Clears The Air

Illinois is getting ready to sign a very good recruiting class on February 1st. One of those prospects that will ink with the Fighting Illini is Garrett Edwards. The No. 53 rated safety in the nation, according to Scout.com, committed to Illinois in the summer and despite rumors that he was looking around, he remains a solid commitment to Ron Zook.

“I was going to visit Iowa and Iowa State,” Garrett Edwards said. “I mean, I thought I might have committed a little too early in the process and I wanted to make sure that Illinois was the place for me.

“Iowa State offered me a scholarship but Iowa didn’t. They (Iowa) told me if I came on a visit that there would be a possibility that I could get an offer. I decided not to visit those schools and I’m 100% Illinois now.”

What changed for Edwards? Why did he decide not to visit the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones?

“I went on my official visit (12-9) in December and that was it for me.” Edwards said. “I got the chance to sit down with my recruiting coach (Curt Mallory) and I spent a lot of one-on-one time with Ron Zook.

“Coach Mallory and Coach Zook talked to me about the opportunity at Illinois. I do have a chance to come in and play early. I’m hoping to come in and push for some playing time. I know it’s hard for a freshman to do that but I’m going to come in and give it my best.

“We’re (Illinois) going to have a great recruiting class and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m also coming into a great situation at Illinois.”

Edwards was named all-state as a senior. He rushed for 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns from his quarterback position. Garrett also passed for 850 yards and 10 scores. Edwards had three interceptions from his safety position.