Rock Chalk Talk with Kansas Recruit Jeremiah Edwards

Yesterday we looked at a future Kansas offensive lineman and today we look at a future defensive lineman.  Jeremiah Edwards out of Garland Texas was one of the first members of the 2010 recruiting class to jump aboard.

Comparisons to another Jayhawk from the same area quickly followed.  I'm sure you all remember a guy by the name of James McClinton, a little undersized but an absolute player in the interior.  Well, Edwards seems to have a lot of the same tools.

Whether that translates to the field will have to be determined in the future but Edwards is a nice piece of the puzzle coming in with the 2010 class and Sunday night he Jeremiah gave RCT a little bit of his time to talk about his recruitment, his goals with Kansas and how he feels he can be successful as an  undersized defensive tackle in the Big 12.

Denver

To start with why don't you give us a little background on your recruitment. Schools you looked at? who recruited you for Kansas? and ultimately what made you decide to be a Jayhawk?

Jeremiah

Well I have looked at or you can say I have visited OU, OSU, Tulsa, Kansas, SMU, North Texas, Texas Tech. 

The coach who recruited me for Kansas was David Beaty the recievers coach at Kansas.  The reason why I chose KU is because I liked the campus and coaching staff.  Coach Beaty is like another father to me and Kansas is far from home but not too far.  One other reason is I want to be a part of the BIG 12!

Denver

What about the campus and the program did you see as the biggest positive on your visit?

Jeremiah

Well I like how the whole city is KU everywhere! I also want to major in criminal justice and I know that they have a good law program at KU.

Denver

Nice, so in terms of your game on the field what do you see as your biggest strengths, and also what areas would you like to work to improve in your senior year of high school.

Jeremiah

My quickness, ability to get off on the ball and my leg power are probably my biggest strengths.  I would like to improve on my speed though.  I mean I run a 4.9, but I want to get it like to a 4.7, that would be nice for a big guy like myself to run that well.

Denver

Absolutely, that would no doubt be a big plus. where are you size wise at this time?

Jeremiah

I am at 280 right now.  Just wish I could get a little taller!!!!

Denver

Now that's an issue Kansas fans are familiar with at the defensive tackle spot but we've also seen some big time success from an undersized guy in James McClinton. Are you familiar with him? and how do you think his success with Kansas factored into the Jayhawks looking past your size and really looking to you as one of their key targets?

Jeremiah

Yep, I know of him and I hear his name a lot.  He actually also came from the same city I'm from so I guess us boys out here are not that tall but i think he did really well and I really do hope I can be an all-american like him. 

It's nice because I can see that size really doesn't really make a difference at Kansas, I know that they want an impact player that would get the job done and i hope and pray that would be me and help KU get to the national championship level.

Denver

How have you managed to overcome that size on gameday and become a solid player as an undersized defensive tackle?

Jeremiah

I always focus on staying low and staying on my key.  Beat the man in front of me every snap and not just giving 100% but always go 1,000% anytime I'm on the field

Denver

Is there a player that you feel like you maybe model yourself after or look up to at your position?

Jeremiah

Yes a man that is already in the NFL by the name of Kris Jenkins.

Denver

What about his game to you want to take to yours?

Jeremiah

His height (laughs).  But serisouly I like how he uses his hands, swim moves and the way he get's off double teams, stuff like that.

Denver

Nice, any personal or team goals you have looking ahead to your playing days at Kansas.

Jeremiah

Well I really don't like setting personal goals, the team goals are my personal goals.  I feel like I'm doing my job if we are winning games and then I'm happy with that.  I think I would hope to play and help Kansas win another BCS bowl game.

Denver

Well glad to have you aboard, I know Kansas fans are excited about the future at the defensive tackle spot because of guys like you. Anything else you'd like Jayhawk fans to know about you and what you're bringing to the program?

Jeremiah

Just tell the fans to be ready for the class of 2010 because championships are coming!!!

Denver

Glad to hear, thanks for your time, and good luck in your senior season.

Jeremiah

Sounds good man.