The Daily OrangeAppalachian State looks to QB Edwards for 3rd FCS title
By Brett LoGiurato
Posted: 9/22/09, 11:33 PM EST Section: Sports
Two seasons ago, Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards dissected the Michigan defense for nearly 300 total yards and four total touchdowns, leading to one of the biggest upsets in college football history. It looked as if nothing could stop him from wreaking havoc on the football field.
But on Aug. 5 of this year, a lawnmower nearly did what opposing defenses could not.
Edwards' right foot got caught in while he was cutting the grass outside his off-campus apartment, leaving a deep gash that required nearly 35 stitches.
"I'm just like everyone else," Edwards said. "Me and my roommate take care of mowing the grass, and it was just my turn."
After the accident, teammates and coaches were worried he might miss significant playing time this season. But sure enough, there was Edwards, back on the field and starting in last week's home opener - a 40-35 loss to McNeese State.
Add coming back from a lawnmower incident within a few short weeks to his impressive list of accomplishments. In his storied career at ASU, Edwards has manned two Division I-AA championship teams, won the Walter Payton Award in 2008 as the Division I-AA Player of the Year, and led the historic upset over Michigan at "The Big House" in Ann Arbor, Mich.
"I would say beating Michigan," said ASU senior wide receiver Matt Cline, when asked whether engineering the upset or returning from the accident, was more impressive. "But it's pretty close, because he's such a tough player. You wouldn't even know he was injured out there."
The mark of Edwards' career at ASU, teammates and coaches said, is his toughness and that he plays well above his 6-foot, 184-pound stature. It's that kind of toughness that allowed him to return the practice field just four weeks after a career-threatening accident.
"After I did it, I could wiggle all my toes," Edwards said. "It was a sense of relief, because I knew I would be out there soon again."
Edwards had the reputation of a fierce competitor from the moment he stepped foot on campus. As a freshman, in only his second season of quarterbacking experience, Edwards faced a tough Georgia Southern defense on the road.
But on Aug. 5 of this year, a lawnmower nearly did what opposing defenses could not.
Edwards' right foot got caught in while he was cutting the grass outside his off-campus apartment, leaving a deep gash that required nearly 35 stitches.
"I'm just like everyone else," Edwards said. "Me and my roommate take care of mowing the grass, and it was just my turn."
After the accident, teammates and coaches were worried he might miss significant playing time this season. But sure enough, there was Edwards, back on the field and starting in last week's home opener - a 40-35 loss to McNeese State.
Add coming back from a lawnmower incident within a few short weeks to his impressive list of accomplishments. In his storied career at ASU, Edwards has manned two Division I-AA championship teams, won the Walter Payton Award in 2008 as the Division I-AA Player of the Year, and led the historic upset over Michigan at "The Big House" in Ann Arbor, Mich.
"I would say beating Michigan," said ASU senior wide receiver Matt Cline, when asked whether engineering the upset or returning from the accident, was more impressive. "But it's pretty close, because he's such a tough player. You wouldn't even know he was injured out there."
The mark of Edwards' career at ASU, teammates and coaches said, is his toughness and that he plays well above his 6-foot, 184-pound stature. It's that kind of toughness that allowed him to return the practice field just four weeks after a career-threatening accident.
"After I did it, I could wiggle all my toes," Edwards said. "It was a sense of relief, because I knew I would be out there soon again."
Edwards had the reputation of a fierce competitor from the moment he stepped foot on campus. As a freshman, in only his second season of quarterbacking experience, Edwards faced a tough Georgia Southern defense on the road.
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