Kentucky Football Player Profile: Mike Edwards

Just call him the King.

Mike Edwards, a native of Cincinnati, is a lifelong LeBron James fan. He’s watched James transform from a high school prodigy to one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. Edwards understands what it takes to achieve greatness. In his Kentucky career, greatness is exactly what he has achieved.

His career statistics speak for themselves: 235 tackles (11.5 for loss), 8 interceptions, 17 pass deflections. He’s only one of four players to lead the team in tackles and interceptions in the same season. He also made the preseason Bednarik Award and Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list (given out to the best defender and defensive back in the country, respectively). Edwards made sure everyone knew to watch out for the ‘Cats defense.

We shouldn’t expect any less from Edwards this year. He, along with Josh Allen, didn’t pass on being potential first round picks to come up short. That’s not in a Honey Badger’s DNA.

Yes, his nickname is “The Badger” and that’s how he plays. Chris Hummer of 247 Sports labeled Edwards as one of college football’s 10 most versatile players. He cites Tyrann Mathieu’s versatility in the secondary as the comparison to Edwards’ impact on a game.

Edwards’ impact on a game brings me to this:

Edwards was instrumental in Kentucky’s victory over Louisville during Lamar Jackson’s Heisman Trophy winning season. A player of Edwards’ caliber and talent is needed to upset teams Kentucky will be underdogs against, especially during SEC play. Edwards will need to play like an all-time great if Kentucky wants to make a push for the SEC East crown.

He’ll need to play like a King.