Sun Devils tab Edwards
Herm Edwards talked about trains and conductors, Catholics and Devils, told stories and cracked jokes, his timbre rising and falling for emphasis during a nearly hour-long introductory news conference.
No doubt, the man can win over a room.
Arizona State is hoping he can win a few games, too.
Edwards, 63, was introduced as the Sun Devils coach Monday, ushering in a new, unexpected era for the program with an impassioned news conference inside Sun Devil Stadium.
“I’m on the train. I’m on the train and I’m going to ride this train until it stops — it’s not going to stop,” Edwards said.
“We’re going. We’re going with you. And if you want to board a little bit later, we’ve got a seat for you. Might not be comfortable, but you’ll have a seat.”
Arizona State wanted to move quickly following the firing of Todd Graham after six seasons.
When word came out this week that it would be Edwards, the former NFL coach and ESPN analyst, the reactions were quick and wide-ranging.
Those in support of Edwards’ hiring praised his passion, his ability to connect with recruits and their families, many repeating the key line from his famous rant as coach of the New York Jets: “You play to win the game!”
Those against Arizona State’s decision pointed to the long gap in Edwards’ coaching resume and his limited experience coaching at the college level.
Heisman finalists named: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson of Louisville are Heisman finalists for the second straight year and will be joined in New York for the presentation ceremony by Stanford running back Bryce Love.
The award for most outstanding college football player will be given out Saturday night.
Jackson is trying to become the second player to win two Heismans, joining former Ohio State star Archie Griffin, but Mayfield will go to Manhattan as the clear front-runner.
He finished fourth in the Heisman voting in 2015 but was not invited to New York.
Last year, he was one of five finalists and finished third behind Jackson and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
Falk honored: Washington State quarterback Luke Falk topped Mayfield to win the Burlsworth Award, given annually to the top college player who began his career as a walk-on.
The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Falk walked on at Washington State after high school rather than accepting a financial aid package to Cornell. He became the all-time Pac-12 Conference leader in touchdown passes this season and is among the top 10 in NCAA history in passing yards, touchdowns and total offense.
The award is named for former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, who died in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.