Edwards having a tough time making the adjustment to the NFL

By: JournalNow Staff | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 03, 2010

Training camp for the Carolina Panthers isn't even a week old, and Armanti Edwards is physically tired, mentally drained and a bit overwhelmed.

Coach John Fox has been on Edwards about his conditioning. Edwards is still trying to remember all of his receiver routes and where to line up, and he has looked awkward at times catching -- and muffing -- punts and kickoffs.

But this is now his world, as Edwards makes the transition from star college quarterback at Appalachian State to rookie NFL receiver and return man.

"I expected it to be rough," Edwards said yesterday, "and yes, it's what I thought it would be."

The Panthers have a lot riding on making this project work. They were enthralled with Edwards' athleticism and speed and overlooked his size (5-11, 182) and slight build. They traded next year's second-round pick to New England for an extra third-round pick and drafted Edwards 89th overall.

General Manager Marty Hurney immediately declared that Edwards -- the only player in NCAA Division I history to throw for more than 10,000 yards and rush for more than 4,000 -- wouldn't be a quarterback.

Trouble is, Edwards hadn't played receiver since his junior year in high school and had never returned a punt or kickoff in his life.

All that shows. Although Edwards has shown soft hands, his route running needs work, and he has been with the third team at receiver. He also has had trouble holding onto kicks, and all of his experience at quarterback -- including two FCS national titles -- isn't helping much.

"I thought it would, but not really," Edwards said. "When you're learning a new position, you've got a lot more things you've got to think about. There's a lot of things going through your head."

Heavy legs make things even more difficult.

"He's got a lot more running (to do). I think he's getting a little more used to that as we move forward," Fox said. "He's got good hands, and he's got ability after the catch. I think really if you ask him, there's a lot more running than at quarterback."

Translation: Edwards, who had no trouble outrunning opponents in college, needs to get in better shape.

"You've got to be fast through your routes, then when you catch the ball, you've got to run after the routes," Edwards said. "You've got to run and chase to get a block. There's a lot more running."

"It surprised me how tired I was at first. I thought I was in shape until I got out here for the first practice."

The Panthers aren't panicking and expected the development to take time. Edwards could even be on the inactive list for games if he doesn't win the return job and remains buried at receiver behind Steve Smith, Kenny Moore, Dwayne Jarrett and Brandon LaFell.

The struggles haven't kept Edwards from being one of the most watched players at camp. He grew up 45 minutes away from Wofford College in Greenwood, S.C., and Appalachian State is a couple hours away.

Everybody wants to see Edwards, and many wonder if the Panthers will try to use him in the Wildcat formation.

"That's up to the coaches," Edwards said. "Right now everybody wants me to get comfortable at receiver, so I'm trying to focus on receiver right now."

Edwards, who didn't return punts until right before his college pro day this spring, blames some of his bobbles and drops to losing concentration because he's tired. The Panthers run special teams drills at the end of practices.

"It's kind of like outfield in baseball, but I've never played that either," Edwards said. "So I had a hard time adjusting to the ball when it's in the air. It just took repetitions."

Although Edwards acknowledged that he's far from comfortable in his new spots, he insists he hasn't lost confidence.

"I still have to tell myself I'm new to this," he said. "Everybody around me knows that I changed my position, so I have to stay focused."