Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Maryland RB Trey Edmunds

A fractured clavicle, broken left tibia and subsequent foot injury weren’t enough to shatter the spirits of a second-generation NFL hopeful that has only flashed glimpses of his next-level potential in the ACC and Big Ten over a period of five years as he’s now currently preparing to showcase his wares to NFL teams with his second pro day a little over a week away.

Coming out of Dan River High School in Ringgold, VA, Trey Edmunds was a celebrated Parade All-American running back that was ready to make good on his dream of carving out a prominent role on his hometown Virginia Tech Hokies and follow in the footsteps of several other maroon and orange-clad ball carriers that preceded him, including David Wilson, Ryan Williams, Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs among former pros of recent vintage.

At about 6-foot-1 1/2 and 225 pounds, Edmunds has the frame to ram the ball into the teeth of the defense in short-yardage situations, but also possesses the vision, speed and loose hips to easily change directions and make opponents miss in the open field.

After being redshirted in 2012, the former high-school track star hit the ground running by gaining 675 yards in his 10 starts along with hitting pay dirt 10 times with four of those scores coming in one game versus the University of Miami.

While Edmunds performed very much like the workhorse tailback former coach Frank Beamer was grooming him to become throughout his first year of action, No. 14’s star shined brightest against one of the premiere defenses in the nation by exploding for 132 yards and a touchdown against Nick Saban and his SEC powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide.

But the young man’s instant path to greatness was sidetracked by a cracked tibia during a road game versus the interstate rival Cavaliers that ended his season.

Edmunds’ road to redemption was gradual, but promising the following year, as he became a standout special-teams performer and acquitted himself well in his limited opportunities to carry the football.

However, the versatile Hokie endured another setback seven games into his sophomore campaign when a broken clavicle sent him back to rehab in the midst of his best outing of the season, which saw the student athlete post 54 yards on 12 carries.

Edmunds returned as a valuable contributor the following year, but never regained his starting role, which prompted him to transfer to the University of Maryland, the same school where his father, Ferrell, made a name for himself before embarking on a successful seven-year NFL career as a tight end for the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks.

Though a foot ailment prematurely drew the curtains on his 5-game stint as member of the Terrapins, Edmunds managed to make the most of his time in College Park by displaying his big-play ability by averaging 6.1 yards per carry along with scoring 2 touchdowns, one as a running back and the other in special-teams coverage.

The one-time VirginiaPreps Offensive Player of the Year enters the pre-draft testing period with a bachelor’s degree in his pocket while currently pursuing a master’s in real estate development, but he isn’t quite ready to relent on his mission of earning a roster spot on one of 32 NFL teams.

His plan was to partake in both Virginia Tech’s and Maryland’s respective pro days. The former turned out as well as Edmunds could have expected, as he recorded a 4.47 in the 40 and reportedly impressed in pass-catching drills. His next pro day is scheduled for March 29.

In a recent interview with LombardiAve.com, the snakebitten prospect’s enthusiasm for the game was palpable while detailing his off-season training efforts.

What’s more, Edmunds frequently mentioned the importance of having an athletically-inclined family as a support system throughout his physical trials, including his mother, Felecia, who was once a standout hurler at Southern Illinois and his two younger brothers, Terrell and Tremaine, both current Hokies playing under second-year coach Justin Fuente.

Here is the 22-year-old running back’s past, present and future in his own words.