2009 VA corner likes WVU

Athlete Devin Edwards has had a busy summer and he's hoping to have a breakthrough fall. The Class of 2009 prospect from Manassas (Va.) Osbourn Park has the versatility to play a number of positions at the college level and his coaches will be asking him to take on an expanded role in his junior season.

At 5-foot-9, 189 pounds, Edwards served as second string quarterback and wide receiver for Osbourn Park last year as a sophomore. This season he'll be a starting cornerback and may be more involved offensively.

"I think of myself more as an athlete but I think most schools will be looking at me as a corner," Edwards explained. "My dad is 6-foot-2, so I think I'll probably be able to get up to around 6-foot before it's over."

For Edwards, much of this past spring and summer have been dedicated to gaining more exposure. He participated in the Ultimate 100, earning All Mid-Atlantic honors for his performance. He also attended a camp at West Virginia, where he said he also improved his stock.

"So far this year I've been making some really good plays at cornerback, intercepting some passes and just playing consistently," he said. "I'm doing a good job of baiting the quarterback into thinking a receiver is open when I'm really right there ready to make a play. My hits have been pretty good and I'm staying right on top of the receivers I'm up against. I'm doing a good job of watching their hips."

His improvement has not gone unnoticed. Edwards has received attention or mail from West Virginia, Florida State, Clemson, Boston College and James Madison. It's still early, but one school is sticking out.

"The one school I'm really interested in is West Virginia," Edwards said. "I've been there the last two years for camps and I've just really enjoyed it. They had me doing work as a receiver and a corner and I played well.

"Location is going to be pretty important for me. I'd like to stay close to home if I can. Academics are also going to be a big factor, because you never know what's going to happen with football. The program itself, in terms of prestige, will be something I look at. Then I'll see how the coaches interact with their players."