2023 3-Star Running Back Dylan Edwards Plays like Tavon Austin, and Now He Has a WVU Offer

The Derby High School football team had won back-to-back Kansas 6-A state titles entering last season. Dylan Edwards was a freshman on the team two seasons ago, and he made his impact felt largely from a backup role.

As a sophomore, Edwards made his impact felt far and wide, helping to lead the Panthers to a third-straight state championship.

Edwards, a 2023 3-star running back from Derby, Kansas, combined with teammate Lem Wash, the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, to lead the Panthers’ offense to another season of historic success. Edwards (5-foot-9, 165 pounds) has been offered by WVU, and he also has offers from Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Memphis and Tennessee Tech.

Edwards had just left his high school baseball game when his coach told him to give WVU a call. He said he was excited but nervous, but the “great call” ended with him being officially offered. In his WVU recruiting process, WVU co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Chad Scott has been the biggest voice.

“Our relationship has been solid for the time I’ve talked to him, he is a very cool guy,” Edwards told WVSN. “Can’t wait to get down there and officially meet him.

While Edwards doesn’t have a visit to Morgantown on the schedule yet, he is looking into the possibility for this summer.

Full Sophomore Season Highlights⬇️ https://t.co/FfQMzMEsJ8 pic.twitter.com/nk5YOGJjbP

— Dylan Edwards (@dylanedwards205) February 3, 2021

As a sophomore, Edwards led the Panthers with 1,833 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns (at a clip of 8.9 yards per carry) while also adding 204 receiving yards and two more touchdowns AND a kickoff return touchdown.

Not unlike former WVU wide receiver Tavon Austin, Edwards made an impact all over the field for the Panthers. It just so happens that he followed Austin’s WVU career since he was a kid. He’s always wanted to play just like him, and he feels like he could emulate that style of play at the next level.

“I think I really could,” Edwards said. “We would just have to wait and see. I just want to make an impact on the field the best way I can.”

hand time 40 yard dash💨 pic.twitter.com/jIT0SakHN2

— Dylan Edwards (@dylanedwards205) March 19, 2021

Aside from just making an impact on the football field, Edwards feels like he’s a player who also exemplifies good character and success in the classroom. Wherever he winds up playing in college, he said he’s someone who will give 110% every day.

With another two seasons of high school football left to play, Edwards will continue to impress teams across the country. WVU will certainly monitor his progress the whole way.