Gus Edwards: The 'Bus' on the Field
An analytical exploration of Augustus Edwards' journey from Liberian origins to a formidable NFL running back, detailing his collegiate and professional career milestones.
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Early Life & Collegiate Beginnings
Origins and Early Years
Augustus "Gus" Edwards was born on April 13, 1995, in Monrovia, Liberia, amidst the tumultuous period of the First Liberian Civil War. This conflict significantly impacted the nation, leading to widespread devastation and loss of life. At the tender age of five, Edwards and his family relocated to the United States, seeking stability and new opportunities. He subsequently attended Tottenville High School, where he began to establish his prowess in American football, laying the groundwork for his future athletic career.
Recruitment Journey
Edwards's talent on the high school gridiron did not go unnoticed, earning him a three-star recruit designation from prominent scouting services such as ESPN, 247Sports.com, Rivals.com, and Scout.com. Initially, he verbally committed to Syracuse, a decision that reflected his early collegiate aspirations. However, a subsequent coaching change at Syracuse prompted him to reconsider his options and reopen his recruitment process. This pivotal moment ultimately led him to commit to the University of Miami, where he would embark on his college football journey.
Collegiate Career
Miami Hurricanes Tenure
Gus Edwards commenced his college football career with the Miami Hurricanes, playing from 2013 to 2016. During his time in Miami, he contributed to the team's rushing attack, showcasing his physical running style. Following his years with the Hurricanes, Edwards made a significant transition as a graduate transfer, joining the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for the 2017 season. This move allowed him to continue his academic pursuits while gaining further experience on the collegiate stage.
Detailed College Statistics
Edwards's collegiate performance demonstrates a consistent contribution to his teams' offensive strategies, particularly in rushing. His statistics reflect his development as a running back across his seasons at both the University of Miami and Rutgers.
Professional Journey: Baltimore Ravens
Undrafted Ascent (2018)
Despite his collegiate performance, Gus Edwards entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Baltimore Ravens on May 4, 2018. Initially waived, he was quickly re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on October 13, 2018. His professional debut in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans saw him record 10 carries for 42 yards. Edwards truly broke out in Week 11, achieving 115 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by another 118 yards against the Oakland Raiders. This made him the first Ravens rookie running back since Jamal Lewis in 2000 to achieve consecutive 100-yard rushing games. He concluded his rookie season as the Ravens' leading rusher with 718 yards and two touchdowns, ranking fifth among all rookie running backs. His playoff debut in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Chargers yielded 23 rushing yards.
Consistent Production (2019-2020)
Edwards continued to be a vital component of the Ravens' ground game. In the 2019 season, he delivered impactful performances, including 112 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 11, and 130 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. He finished the season with 711 rushing yards and two touchdowns. For the 2020 season, Edwards signed a one-year exclusive-rights free agent tender. He showcased his efficiency with 101 rushing yards on just seven carries against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13 and scored two rushing touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14. He concluded the 2020 season having played all 16 games (starting six), accumulating 723 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, alongside nine receptions for 129 receiving yards.
Injury and Resilience (2021-2022)
The 2021 season presented a significant challenge for Edwards. After the Ravens placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on him and subsequently signed him to a two-year, $10 million contract extension, his season was abruptly cut short. On September 9, 2021, he suffered a torn ACL during practice, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Edwards worked towards his return. He began the 2022 season on the reserve/PUP list but was activated on October 22. In his first game back, Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, he scored two rushing touchdowns, marking a strong return. He finished the 2022 regular season having played nine games (starting four), with 87 carries for 433 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Career Highs (2023)
The 2023 season proved to be a career-defining year for Gus Edwards. Following an Achilles tear to fellow running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 1, Edwards stepped into a more prominent role as the lead back. While often utilized in short-yardage and goal-line situations, he achieved numerous career highs. In Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, he recorded a career-long 80-yard reception, contributing to a career-high in receiving yards for a single game, alongside 64 rushing yards and a touchdown. His standout performance came in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 80 yards on 19 carries and scored a career-high three touchdowns. The following week, he added two more touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks. He also scored two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 and another against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. Edwards concluded the 2023 season with career bests in carries (198), rushing yards (810), rushing touchdowns (13), receptions (12), and receiving yards (180). His 13 rushing touchdowns ranked him fifth highest among all NFL players that season.
New Horizons: Los Angeles Chargers
Transition to Los Angeles (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Gus Edwards embarked on a new chapter in his professional career, signing a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. He began the 2024 season as the starting running back, sharing carries with J.K. Dobbins, his former teammate from Baltimore. However, as the season progressed, Dobbins emerged as the primary back, leading to a shift in Edwards's role. His season was further impacted by an ankle injury, which led to his placement on injured reserve on October 12. He was subsequently activated ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Tennessee Titans on November 9. Ultimately, Edwards was released by the Chargers on March 10, 2025, concluding his tenure with the team.
Comprehensive Career Statistics
Pre-Draft Measurables
Before entering the NFL, Gus Edwards underwent a series of physical assessments to evaluate his athletic potential. These pre-draft measurables provide insights into his physical attributes as a professional football player.
NFL Regular Season Performance
Gus Edwards's regular season statistics highlight his consistent rushing ability and contributions to his teams' offensive strategies throughout his NFL career.
NFL Postseason Performance
Edwards's contributions extend to the high-stakes environment of the NFL playoffs, where his rushing and receiving statistics reflect his role in critical games.
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References
References
- https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/augustus-edwards-51264?view=pv
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