Edward has played a huge part in the success of the McAllen Memorial rushing offense. He’s more than just a football player though. Edward’s hard work in the classroom has resulted him being recruited by some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.
What’s it like blocking for a guy like Trevor Speights?
Trevor is a great guy and like a brother to me. He gets the job done and let’s the O-line know that it’s thanks to us. Even in interviews he’ll give us props. The chemistry is definitely there and that’s what makes it work so well.
What are some of the things you learned at camps this summer that you’ll be able to use in the fall to improve your blocking?
Angles and leverages. The biggest thing I’ll be using in the fall that I’ve learned this summer is taking the ideal angle to get to my block and the ideal leverage to finish it every time.
Your 40 time improved over the summer but were you able to break the 5.0 second barrier?
Despite my best efforts all summer, my fastest recorded time was a 5.03. That’s an improvement from last season, but I’m definitely going to keep working to break that barrier by college.
Recruiting has picked up since May. Has it been what you expected or somewhat of a surprise in the way things have gone?
It’s definitely a pleasant surprise. Being in the valley makes a long trip for college recruiters so the attention can’t be expected. I’m getting looked at because of the hours put in on and off the field. The recruiting process has shown me a lot about hard work and how it pays off.
Which schools have you been in contact with?
I’ve made contact with great D3 schools like Trinity, TLU, Hardin-Simmons, and Mary Hardin Baylor. Also I’ve had the great pleasure of talking with and getting looked at by coaches at D1 schools like Davidson College and even schools in the Ivy League like UPenn, Yale, and Harvard! They’re all great programs and I’d be honored to have the opportunity to play at any one of them.
What would it mean for your future if you received an Ivy League degree?
Some have told me that an Ivy League degree will set me up for the rest of my life. I believe that it’d be a great experience and a wonderful education, but nothing is set in stone so regardless of where I go I will be working hard to assure myself a bright future.
Do you expect to be used at multiple positions on the OL this year?
I’m primarily a Left Tackle for my high school, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs. That’s not to say that I won’t be placed anywhere else. I’d be happy to play at any position that the coaches need me in for the good of the team. I feel like it’s an honor to be needed at a position to make a difference if that turns out to be the case.
With some predicting the Mustangs to win the 30-6A championship, is there any added pressure to live up to those expectations?
All of us are looking to “be something special”. It’s one thing I’ve heard Coach Littleton say since I was a freshman. We are predicted to be the best and I’m hopeful for that, but all of us know to take each week, each game, each team one at a time and play them as if it’s the last game we’ll have. It’s like playoffs from game 1. And as a senior I’m looking at it, along with my fellow seniors, as “one last ride”.
How would it feel to end your high school career with a district championship?
Being the first team since 2011 to bring the gold football back to McAllen Memorial would be a fantastic way to top off my four years there. But, we are looking to be the best team in McAllen Memorial history! So it may start with a district title, but that’s only the beginning.
What game are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m looking forward to every game in my senior year and I’ll cherish them all, but the rivalry against Sharyland has been dormant for several years and I feel like it’ll come back strong! Also Mchi and Memorial always have a hard played game so finishing with a 4-0 record against them in my high school career is a big thing too. Although I’ll play all the games just as hard, those two will definitely be my favorite games to go into.
What piece of advice that you’d give young football players just starting out?
“Be something special.” That’s always spoken to me in my high school years. But to be that something special takes all of your heart, mind, and hard work from Day One. You can’t take days off and you just have to be relentless to be noticed. That goes with your academics too. As soon as you start your freshman year you have to go hard into the books and study and give it everything you can because there’s no way to fix it once it’s over. Start out right early on and don’t have any regrets.
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
It was a pleasure talking with you and thanks for the support.