FAYETTEVILLE — Blinn (Texas) Community College defensive tackle Javier Edwards (6-3, 350) is a big man and one that could be in the middle of the Arkansas defensive line next season.
If he does, he plans to do some simple things to help a defense that was subpar in 2016.
“My strength is stopping the run and pushing the pocket, putting the center in the quarterback’s lap,” Edwards said.
Edwards, who recently de-committed from Florida and has an official visit scheduled for Missouri next weekend, concluded his official visit with the Razorbacks on Sunday and named Arkansas his leader.
“Arkansas, Missouri and Florida,” Edwards said off his final three schools. “I’ve got to do these home visits and see how it plays out. Right now, Arkansas is probably my number one.”
Edwards, a mid-term graduate who had 24 tackles and six sacks this season, was set to sign with then Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads out of Houston Aldine, but had to go to junior college. Now Rhoads is the secondary coach at Arkansas.
“I might end up signing here, you never know, but I really like it out here," Edwards said. "This is my number one school now. After the Missouri visit, I’m probably going to go here.”
Edwards felt at home in Fayetteville.
“I loved the family environment,” Edwards said. “I loved how I came here and felt at home. Even though I was at Arkansas, it felt like I was in Texas. I just fit in out here.”
The chance to play in the SEC’s western division and having family in Texas are two factors in Arkansas’ favor.
“That’s a big factor because, first of all, I’m in the SEC West,” Edwards said. “You can’t beat that. For my family, the farthest drive they’d have to make is about eight, eight and-a-half hours. My uncle loves driving. That’d be a cake walk.”
Arkansas is losing some defensive linemen this season and the Razorback staff stressed the chance for early playing time.
Edwards has not set a date to announce his decision, but did say he could be coming soon.
“I don’t have a date set because I’m not sure when everybody’s going to be done with their home visits, and I’m not sure if I’m going to Missouri or not. So, it depends on that," he said.