Donovan Edwards could get 25 carries a game, but he wants more opportunities for teammates

INDIANAPOLIS — Donovan Edwards is a changed man from this time last year.

A year ago, Edwards was telling anyone who would listen that he had an unparalleled career trajectory, putting himself in the same company as legendary players like Walter Payton. Now, after a year that didn’t go the way he wanted it to, he’s humble, and now more confident than cocky.

The Edwards of the past may have yearned to be the featured running back, clamoring to get carries as such. But now, while Edwards knows that’s his likely role, he hopes that however much his number is called it doesn’t infringe upon the other tailbacks in his position group.

Edwards was asked last week at Big Ten media days if he could be a 25-carry per game back, and while he says he can be, and he knows he’d be good at it if tasked, that’s not what he is personally challenging for.

“You watch the spring game? Alright, then!” Edwards said. “Yeah, I could be a 25-carry guy. Do I want it? I’ll take it if I’m needed to be but I want other guys to be able to get their touches. I want to be able to catch the ball, too — get like four or five catches, it doesn’t matter. Whatever Kirk wants, whatever is best for the team, that’s what I want.

“I could have 25 carries, but ultimately I want Kalel Mullings to get carries, I want Ben Hall to get carries, I want Tavi (Dunlap) to get carries. Leon (Franklin) — I want all running backs to get carries when their number’s called on. But to answer your question, yes, I could do it. And I’m confident in it.”

Last year, Edwards was listed at 210 pounds, up five from the year before. Entering fall camp on Wednesday, assuming nothing’s changed from Big Ten media days, Edwards says he’s up another five pounds. But, when the season comes, he hopes to be down three — capable of taking a beating if he is the feature back, but also still elusive with his speed intact.

“Ultimately, you have to be durable,” Edwards said. “So I’m right at 215 right now. Hopefully, I want to get to like 212.”