Jahwan Edwards Primed for Big Season in 2014

Jan 5, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; Ball State Cardinals running back Jahwan Edwards (32) is tackled by Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Xavier Woodson (55) in the second half at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Arkansas State Red Wolves defeated the Ball State Cardinals 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Ball State Cardinals lost both starting quarterback Keith Wenning and wide receiver Willie Snead, which doesn’t bode well for the passing game in 2014. They have a very dominant running back in Jahwan Edwards, and he is going to see a lot of carries this coming season. Edwards has had some looks from NFL scouts, but he is going to need to put together a stellar season this year in order to make that dream happen.

Edwards carried the football 212 times for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and was a complete workhorse late in the season after backup running back Horactio Banks tore his ACL. The Cardinals are going to be much more reliant on the run this season than they were last, and Edwards is likely to see a fairly big carry increase. He has the potential to put up huge numbers, and Ball State will be asking him to do so in order to win football games.

Ball State has been one of the better teams that have gone mostly unnoticed by the majority of the nation. They have had two very good seasons in a row, but haven’t received the national attention to this point. Due to losing Wenning and Snead, the only way they are going to receive the attention would be if Edwards is capable of putting up big numbers each and every week.

One area that Edwards hasn’t impressed, is as a receiver out of  the backfield. He caught just seven passes for 31 yards, but might be asked to step up in that category this coming season. The biggest problem for a young quarterback is finding a way to improve his confidence, and short passes to running backs out of the backfield are a good way to do that. He may not put up huge numbers as a receiver, but he will likely see an increased number from last season.

Overall, this is going to be a very interesting season from Ball State football. They have the talent to make some noise in the MAC, but they also have some very young players that are trying to step up for stars from last season. Edwards is going to have to take on a much bigger role in the offense, and he will also have to be the veteran leader for them as well.