I see your points about Edwards
"As far as Edwards...I disagree.
First, I don't think he's big enough to play the H-Back type of position. Those guys are often intertwined with being a Fullback and the only natural H-Back's we have are pretty big fellas. Mike Henry is at least 20 lbs larger than Edwards.
H-Back also requires a certain feel for blocking patterns. Edwards will either be a LB, RB, or possibly a pass rusher on sure passing downs.
He has struggled quite a bit at LBer. But I think his chance of getting snaps at RB have passed him. But he is entering his important years. It's really a reaction / instinct problem with him. I don't know if he'll get better but I don't like the idea of moving him around more. Last year was his first full season at LBer and hopefully more clicks this year."
If not, I wouldn't be surpised to see him end up a pass rusher (whether they line him up at DE or as a blitzing a LBer) on purely passing situations."
Bob I see your points about Edwards, another position change might likely not be good for him. Just thougt if you take one from offense you need to give one good athlete back to balance out.
Edwards would be a little undersized at H-back, I just thought he would excel on those crack back blocks and edge blocks as he has good wheels and would get to those spots quicker. Thought that Edwards wheels would open up our running game a little bit as he would engage his blocks quicker, and that he would be a good screen option. I like the idea of using him as a nickle pass rusher and situational out side linebacker in obvious rushing spots. He doesn't seem to have the instincts to be a full time linebacker in this scheme. The Gophers current scheme, at linebacker, you have to be able to do a lot of of things and the linebackers have a lot of responsibility's. They rely on linebackers to do a lot, make a lot of tackles. Just don't see Edwards being able to do that or excel at cleaning up and stopping the run a lot. It's to bad they wasted his red-shirt that first year. It's all moot anyways I think they are convinced to use Wright as a slot receiver. I have always thought he was a good tackler and belonged on defense because he has good wheels and excels at hitting people on special teams. That straight line speed doesn't always translate to defense though. The Gopher coaches will do what is best for the players.
