How Kalen Edwards keeps focus on Dyersburg football after committing to Kentucky

MILAN – Kalen Edwards was one of the loudest people on the Dyersburg sideline on Friday.

While Edwards didn’t play in the TSSAA football scrimmage against Milan at Johnnie Hale Stadium to avoid potential injury, he still made his presence felt. Any time his teammates made a big play, he was the first to celebrate. Anytime his teammates made a mistake, he was offering encouragement.

“He’s a fine young man. We’re all very proud of him,” Dyersburg coach Bart Stowe said. “He’s got a real bright future. Looking forward to getting him back with us. He could’ve played some, but we held him out. He’s getting better and doing everything he can for his team.”

Edwards’ future is bright. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman and four-star recruit is committed to play college football at Kentucky . He announced his commitment on social media July 3. Edwards had committed to Auburn in November, but decommitted from the Tigers in March.

“I just got a better feel for (Kentucky), that’s all,” Edwards said. “That’s really it, just better vibe, better feel.”

Edwards said he is ready for his college experience but is trying to enjoy every minute he can during his final year of high school.

He’s just worried about getting on the football field and being a terrifying fixture for the Trojans, who went 13-1 last season, which ended with a 14-point defeat against East Nashville in the TSSAA Class 3A state semifinals. Edwards plays on both the offensive and defensive lines, and he has the mentality of a beast.

“Right now, I’m the best one, no one can mess with me on the O-line,” Edwards said. “That’s how I think. When I think like that, I just go from there. … I know when I get to that next level, it won’t be like that. It’s all about technique.”

40 QUESTIONS: 40 questions about the 2024 Tennessee high school football season in Jackson area

BOLD PREDICTIONS: 10 bold predictions for 2024 Tennessee high school football season in Jackson area

AROUND WEST TENNESSEE: Haywood football aims to bring home a TSSAA state championship after years of being so close

Stowe remembers the first time he met Edwards around five years ago. Stowe described Edwards as a, “big old rascal,” complimenting his work ethic and his desire to grow as both a student and an athlete.

Now, Edwards has the opportunity to make the most of his senior year. He wants to leave a lasting legacy and bring the Trojans’ first football championship back to Dyersburg in the program’s first appearance in the title game.

“Region champs and go all the way,” Edwards said. “Honestly, go 15-0. That’s what I want to do.”

Austin Chastain is a sports writer covering West Tennessee high schools. Reach him by email at achastain@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ChastainAJ.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: How Kalen Edwards keeps focus on Dyersburg football after committing to Kentucky