Edwards headed to Minnesota

A long recruiting process came to an end Thursday night for Chelsea, Mich., running back Berkley Edwards. After months of deliberations and three official visits, the three-star back pledged his services to Minnesota.

"I called Coach [Jerry] Kill and asked how he was doing, then broke the news to him," Edwards said. "I told him me and my family have sat down several times and I was ready to be a Minnesota Golden Gopher. He was very happy to hear that."

Thursday's commitment ends a recruitment with Minnesota that started when the Gophers extended him an offer last spring and Edwards was relieved to have the process behind him.

"I am very happy, very excited," Edwards said. "It is a long process and it is not easy. It is a decision that is going to impact the rest of my life. Minnesota showed me who they were and stuck with me through the long decision [process]. I think they are the right choice and I am very happy to get it over with."

Edwards made his official visit to Minnesota back in September. His parents were with him on that trip, and were there to give him feedback during the decision process.

"They really liked the place, but they just liked the people there like Coach Kill," Edwards said. "Everybody I asked on the team said great things about Coach Kill and my parents really liked that."

Both Edwards' father and brother played in the Big Ten, so there is a familiarity with the Gopher's traditions, especially their history of running back play.

"I know a little bit about their running back tradition," Edwards said. "They do a good job with their running backs and I am just happy to get into the offense and help out the team.

"I like the offense a lot. They pound it in and can also maybe get me the ball in space on a sling route or scat route here and there."

The 5-foot-9, 189-pound Edwards earned first team all-state honors as a senior after rushing for 1,329 yards and 21 touchdowns on 204 carries. He also caught 15 passes for another 105 yards and a touchdown this season.