Armanti Edwards

Had Edwards enjoyed his level of success playing for Alabama, USC or Texas, he might be the most celebrated quarterback in the nation. Though most football fans only know him for leading Appalachian State to a dramatic 2008 upset over Michigan, Edwards led the Mountaineers to four consecutive Southern Conference championships and two national titles. He won the Walter Payton Award winner (the FCS version of the Heisman Trophy) as a junior and senior - the first player to ever win the award twice. Edwards' production with the Mountaineers is straight out of a video game. He leaves having started 49 of 51 games and completing 65.1 percent of his passes for 10,392 yards and 74 touchdowns (against 33 interceptions) and running for 4,631 yards and 56 touchdowns. Edwards' production, alone, should be enough to earn him a look from scouts. When they break down his game, however, they'll find that he's a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect with the arm strength, accuracy and poise to warrant at least late-round consideration. His athleticism may also get him a shot as a receiver and return specialist, as scouts have worked him out at those positions during the draft process.

setup/release

Taking the majority of snaps out of shotgun, Edwards will need work in his drop back from center. He has the athleticism to handle this transition, but his lack of height is a significant concern, the greatest reason many will project him as a wide receiver. Edwards scans the field easily and has an efficient set up and quick delivery of the football.

reading defenses

Had the advantage of making adjustments from shotgun. Trusted on the field by the coaching staff to put the team in winning situations on each play. Team didn't huddle pre-snap and relied on Edwards to call audibles. Good poise in the pocket but was not asked to make more than one or two reads before running.

arm strength

Plenty of arm-strength to make every NFL throw. Can stick the deep-out and attack the defense over the top. Relies too much on his arm strength.

intangibles

The first two-time winner of the Walter Payton Award, the FCS' version of the Heisman Trophy. Former prep wide receiver with the size and athleticism that will cause some to project him back at this position in the NFL. Renowned for his poise and clutch play in critical situations, including the upset over Michigan in the Big House, four consecutive Southern Conference titles and two National Championships. Graduated from Appalachian State in 3.5 years -- a feat matched by only 2.8 percent of Appalachian State students in its latest graduating class.

on the move

Elusive in the pocket and a constant threat to leave the pocket and run on his own. Prides himself, however, on exhausting his pass options before running. Feels the pocket collapsing and is willing to step up in the pocket or laterally to keep his options. Keeps his eyes downfield. Good lateral agility to elude in the open field. Quick release and good accuracy when throwing on the move make him tough to defend.

accuracy

Shows legitimate accuracy on short to intermediate passes that require zip, but loses it in this area when the passes require touch. Best throws are typically on dig and drag routes across the middle, where Edwards consistently hits his wideouts in stride. Good accuracy on the deep out to the sideline, away from the defender. Good touch for the dump-off passes to the back, but often misfires on longer passes requiring some touch. Passes tend to come in too hot and too flat, not allowing the receiver to get under them sufficiently.

Multi-talented left-handed quarterback threw for over 2,000 yards and ran for over 1,100 as a senior

accounted for 29 touchdowns (17 passing, 12 rushing) in ‘05

played in 2005 Shrine Bowl

began playing quarterback midway through junior season in which he threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns and hauled in five passes for over 100 yards and a score at wide receiver.

Full name is Armanti Fredrico Edwards

born March 8, 1988 (18 years old)

son of Deborah A. Anderson

cousin, Raynaldo Gray, plays football at Southern Conference-rival Furman.