Edwards is happy he stayed at UW
MADISON – T.J. Edwards’ decision to return to Wisconsin for his senior season and put the National Football League on hold for one more year was made in about 48 hours.
The swiftness with which Edwards moved – he texted a UW official with his decision on Jan. 1, a little more than a day after the Orange Bowl – can’t mask the fact that the process was agonizing.
“I’m not going to lie; it was tough at first,” the decorated inside linebacker told reporters Thursday after UW’s sixth spring practice. “I really had to search within myself and tell myself that whatever decision I make is the right one.
“I had people close to me not feel so good about what I did, and (other) people thought it was great.
“But at the end of the day, it is a blessing even to be thinking about it. I’m happy as can be to be back here in Madison.”
Edwards, a first-team All-American as a redshirt junior last season, sought a grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board before UW’s 34-24 victory over Miami in the Orange Bowl. He was advised to return to college, largely because of concerns around his speed.
Edwards, who has started 39 games and played in 40 at UW, took that information and hunkered down alone after the bowl game to decide on his own.
No more advice from family or friends. This was his decision to make.
“I was back and forth the entire way,” he said. “I just had to come to a gut decision (and) for once in my entire life pick something that was all truly about me and not take opinions into account. That is hard for me because I value opinions of people close to me.”
Edwards ultimately chose to return to UW to improve his individual game and help lead the team to greater heights than it has achieved in each of the last two seasons.
“I really want to be part of history and I truly believe this is a team that can do that,” he said.
Asked to define history, Edwards answered without hesitation.
“National championship,” he said. “It is easy to make those lofty goals right now.”
UW lost to Penn State in the 2016 Big Ten title game and lost to Ohio State in the ’17 conference championship. The loss to Penn State knocked UW out of the running for a berth in the Rose Bowl. The loss to Ohio State knocked UW out of the College Football Playoff.
As he spoke Thursday about those losses, it was clear the failures still fester.
“Being hurt so much in those Big Ten championship games,” Edwards said. “I’m excited to try to get back there.”
Edwards was among five UW players who mulled entering the NFL draft.
Cornerback Nick Nelson made the jump, but Edwards and offensive linemen Michael Deiter, Beau Benzschawel and David Edwards opted to return to UW.
T.J. Edwards’ decision surprised some people close to him, including his parents.
“I think they were a little taken aback,” he said. “I think they thought I was leaning one way and went the other. But they were happy for me no matter what I did.”
After he told his parents and close friends, he called UW coach Paul Chryst.
“Hearing his excitement made me feel better about it,” Edwards said.
Chryst said recently that all five players thoroughly studied their options.
“I liked and appreciated how they went through the process,” he said. “And I think there is something you have to balance. All of them I think have reached the point where it is a real possibility. Every kid comes to college and I think a lot of them, their hope is to be able to play. I think they’ve all crossed a threshold where they can play.”
Chryst believes the decision of those players to return to UW will allow them to maximize their chances in the NFL.
“I think what gets lost in it is making sure you are most ready for when that opportunity comes,” he said. “There is a lot more layers to the decision than just: ‘They could have.’ “Were they ready? Is there more they could work on so when they get that opportunity they can make the most of it?”