AUGUST 27, 2009 ISSUE
ASU Quarterback Armanti Edwards Update
Edwards Healing, Expected to Be Back in Game Shape By Home Opener
ASU star quarterback Armanti Edwards is still recovering after injuring his right foot in a lawnmower accident on August 5. Edwards hopes to be back in game shape by the September 12 home opener. Photos by Keith Cline
As his teammates completed drill after drill inside Kidd Brewer Stadium, ASU star quarterback Armanti Edwards sat on a metal bench near the goal line with his right Nike off and two crutches underneath his seat.
He tossed a football up high with his left arm, making it spiral and come back down for an easy catch.
Football fans would rather see the 2008 Walter Payton Award winner leading the offense through drills than see him playing catch by himself. Those fans aren’t alone.
“We’ll obviously be happy when he gets back out there; the whole team will,” Head Coach Jerry Moore said.
Edwards, a senior, is getting there, though.
Edwards injured his right foot in a lawnmower accident on August 5. The 35 stitches he received have been taken out and he threw standing up on Monday.
The accident was caused when Edwards’ foot slipped as he pulled the lawnmower up a hill. The blade cut his foot near his pinkie toe.
So far, he’s had plenty of offers to cut his grass.
“Too many to call back,” he said laughing.
Even though he hasn’t practiced with the team since the incident, he is looking forward to playing again, possibly even the season opener at East Carolina University on September 5.
“Everyone wants me playing in all the games,” Edwards said. “If I’m not ready [for ECU], I’m not going to play. We have [Southern] Conference [games] after that.”
Around town, Edwards’ injury has caused plenty of conversations and concern and he’s heard from lots of people.
“The fans, the community, have been great,” he said. “They’re supporting me and hoping that I get better.”
Edwards is looking at his rehab on a day-to-day basis. While playing is in his future, he’s focusing on something smaller.
“I’m looking forward to running,” he said.
That could come as early as Friday and Edwards will then begin to get back into game shape.
And Moore isn’t concerned about Edwards’ ability to be game ready when the time comes.
“Armanti can get ready to play in three days if his foot is healed,” Moore said. “We’re not doing that much different [on offense].”
“I just have to get back in shape,” Edwards said. “This is my fourth year, so I already know all the plays.”
While Edwards has been out, sophomores DeAndre Presley and Travaris Cadet have received the majority of snaps in practice. If Edwards can’t play the first game, the Mountaineers will have someone ready to go.
“These other guys have done well,” Moore said. “Our focus now is to get these two young guys ready to play.”
Armanti Edwards By The Numbers
10,783—Career total offense yardage, a Southern Conference record and 19th in FCS history.
2,902—Passing yards from last season, which ranks second at ASU.
433—Passing yards versus South Carolina State in 2008 NCAA Division I first round, an ASU record.
313—Rushing yards versus Richmond in 2007 NCAA Division I semifinal, the most by a quarterback in Division I, SoCon and ASU history.
32-5—Career record as starting quarterback.
30—Passing touchdowns last season, the most in ASU history
Source: ASU football media guide
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