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USF's 'Captain' Leads By Example, Shuns Limelight

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Edwards had a school-record 124 yards on seven punt returns against Tennessee Martin.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

Updated: 09/03/2008 12:12 am

TAMPA - For University of South Florida receivers coach Mike Canales, it's more than a nickname he has given to senior Marcus Edwards, it's the ultimate compliment: Cap.

"He's the captain, he leads all the time," Canales said. "He works so extremely hard and he's so unselfish. He doesn't catch many balls because the scheme doesn't allow to get the ball outside, but it's not a big thing. It's truly a team thing for him."

Of USF's deep corps of receivers, Edwards has played in more games (39) and made more starts (24). Yet, he hasn't been in the limelight much.

That could change this season if Saturday's performance against Tennessee Martin is any indication.

Edwards had a school-record 124 yards on seven punt returns. And those all came in the first half. He didn't have a reception, but not surprisingly Edwards was more concerned with the win than his individual numbers.

"I remember when I first got here, Coach Jim Leavitt asked me if I had ever done punt returns in high school, so I came out early every day to work with the punt returners," Edwards said. "Honestly, I never thought I'd be returning punts in a game.

"To have an opportunity to do it was great. Whichever helps the team most receiving or returning punts, that's what I'll do. I look at the bigger picture. What will help our team the most."

USF quarterback Matt Grothe said the 5-foot-11, 172-pound Edwards always can be counted on.

"He's one of the best receivers, he's always consistent catching the ball," Grothe said. "As long as we're winning, I don't think he cares how many catches he gets."

Edwards had 27 catches for 328 yards and two TDs as a sophomore and 22 catches for 231 yards and one touchdown as a junior.

Canales said Edwards' experience and leadership is a huge asset, especially since the Bulls feature seven freshmen or sophomores among their top 12 receivers.

"He's a great route runner," Canales said. "He knows how to read defenses and set guys up when he runs his route. The young kids are starting to learn from him and see that.

"A lot of guys may run a 4.2 second 40, but can't run a route to save their life. This offense, so much is a horizontal stretch, vertical stretch game, you have to understand where you fit in the scheme of defense and get to the windows. That's what Marcus does so well."

Edwards, who graduated in December with a communications degree, wants to get into coaching. He said he eventually wants to become an athletic director because of his uncle, Taylor McGrew, who was the AD at his high school, Mayo Lafayette.

Would Edwards want to return to USF as the athletic director one day?

"That would be great," he said. "I love this school, I love this town, I love this team. If I could come back here, it would be an ideal situation."

Before Edwards starts pursuing a coaching or AD position, he has one goal remaining at USF. And, not surprisingly, it's a team goal: to help USF win the Big East title.

"I feel if we're not chasing a Big East title," Edwards said. "We don't have a purpose."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.

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