Edwards eyes bigger impact
Dynamic sophomore gears up for more consistent season
It was too much for Dylan Edwards or anyone else to think his debut performance with the Colorado Buffaloes would be a weekly occurrence.
As Edwards prepares for his sophomore season with the Buffaloes, however, he is aiming for a more consistent impact than he had in 2023. And, the 5-foot9, 170-pound running back is feeling good as the Buffs go through spring practices.
“It’s been great,” he said. “I’m just working on my game every day, trying to get better through this spring. And I feel like my game is elevating every day.”
Edwards had one of the most remarkable debuts in CU history, catching five passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 24 yards and another touchdown, in CU’S season-opening 4542 upset of TCU on Sept. 2. He set CU records for receiving yards and touchdowns scored in a debut.
“I knew every game was not gonna be like TCU,” Edwards said. “You’re gonna have those games to where you do score two, three times but it’s all about what can you do to contribute to a win? That’s what I felt like I didn’t do towards the end of the season, so I want to contribute every single game to get the W.”
After the TCU game, Edwards didn’t score again until the finale at Utah. He led the Buffs in rushing yards on the season (321) and finished the campaign with 36 catches for 299 yards, but never really had the same impact that he had at TCU.
This year, the Buffs are trying to find more ways to get the ball into the hands of the speedy and dynamic Edwards. He averaged just 9.3 touches per game last year, including 7.5 in the six-game losing streak to end of the season.
“He had a decent year,” running backs coach Gary Harrell said. “I think we could have gotten more out of him. I think he was prepared for it, so we’ve got to do better as coaches as far as putting him in a better position to have success.
“But he had a great offseason. I think he took it upon himself to gain more weight. He’s bigger than he was last year. He’s stronger than he was last year. He did all the necessary things to better himself.”
Earlier this spring, first-year offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said Edwards is dynamic and that the Buffs will try to utilize his skills better. Harrell said he believes the
Shurmur offense good for Edwards.
“With Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator, I think we have a better plan for (Edwards) as far as a different scheme, and making sure that he’s in when we need him in to get certain things done,” Harrell said.
For Edwards, it means taking on a different type of role.
He still might get only about 6.3 rushing attempts per game, as he did last year, but they’ll be more catered to his ability.
“Certain runs, I won’t do anymore,” said Edwards, who joined the CU track team this year to work on his speed. “I won’t run up the (middle) anymore. I’m gonna run in between the tackles, that’s not a problem, but I’m gonna do what best fits my game when I’m in the game. So whatever coach Shurm calls up, I’m trying to perfect it as much as possible.”
The biggest change for Edwards could be that he won’t be in the backfield as much. If this spring is an indicator, CU plans to utilize his receiving skills more.
“It’s crazy because this year I’m playing way more receiver,” he said. “I’m more dynamic in our offense. It’s not just a running back. I am in the running back room but I view myself as not a running back or receiver; I’m just an all-around threat towards the defense.
“I feel like I can split out, I can motion, I can do it all. So just having coach Shurm call plays and give me the opportunity is something that I need and that I’m waiting for.”
He’s also looking forward to having more impact on the game than he did a year ago.
“This year is gonna be fun,” he said. “I feel like everybody has a chance to do what they need to do, and our scheme is really nice. So everybody gets the ball and it goes around real nice.
“Just getting me hot early, that’s something I really want this year. I feel like my game is elevated so I’m definitely ready for anything that’s coming my way this year.”
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