For those Colorado football fans getting their first look at Javier Edwards since last fall, the weight loss will make an immediate impression.
At 337 pounds – as of Saturday – Edwards is about 50 pounds lighter than when he arrived in Boulder in January of 2017 and quite a bit smaller than his playing weight a year ago.
Edwards is losing almost two pounds a day during fall camp and hopes to get near 325 by the time the season opener, on Aug. 31 against Colorado State, rolls around.
The numbers on the scale aren’t the only difference in the senior nose tackle, however.
A former junior college transfer, Edwards is sharper in his technique, more comfortable in his surroundings, acclimated to the classroom and better prepared to help the Colorado defense than he was in 2017.
“I’m confident. I’m real confident,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to be a great team and I have a good chance to help this team become Pac-12 champions.”
Of course, the weight loss has played a role in his increased confidence.
At 390 pounds, Edwards used his sheer size to be a dominant force at Blinn Junior College. Now under 340, Edwards is still a monster of a man, but more athletic.
“I feel a lot better,” he said. “I’m able to do the stunts and all the movements we have. I’m moving a lot quicker laterally and running to the ball. I’m doing a lot better than I was when I first got here.”
In better shape, Edwards has also become better with his technique.
“His pad level has (improved) so much this fall camp,” defensive line coach Kwahn Drake said. “He’s starting to strike more and I think that’s going to help us create that knock-back on the line of scrimmage.”
Edwards didn’t focus much on technique when he was at Blinn, because he really didn’t need it to succeed.
“You’re just out there playing in JUCO,” he said. “Whatever God blessed you with, that’s what you’re playing with. At this level, OK, you have to do technique, keep low pad level. You’re not the strongest guy anymore.”
In 11 games (nine starts) last season, Edwards was in on 33 tackles, but didn’t have the leverage the Buffs would like out of their nose tackle. He was still adjusting to the Division I game, and trying to do so with a bothersome ankle much of the year.
He also spent last year adjusting academically.
“That’s actually the hardest part,” said Edwards, who said he is on schedule to graduate in May. “JUCO classes were pretty easy. You have to practically not go to class to fail. I’ve been doing pretty good (at CU). It’s just getting used to a new type of schedule. Some classes are really tough, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Now fully adjusted to life at CU, Edwards is starting to make an impact off the field. One of the most experienced defensive linemen on the team, he’s one of the more respected, as well.
“Javier, he’s starting to become a leader in that room just from his actions and his preparation in the meetings,” Drake said. “Every day after practice he’s on the bike, and he’s doing extra things.”
For Edwards, the drive is there to be better individually and as a group. The Buffs struggled as a defensive line last year, but believe they’ve got potential to be better. Led by seniors Jase Franke, Chris Mulumba and Edwards, the group has shown signs of improvement this offseason.
“I love seeing everyone getting better,” Edwards said. “There’s no better feeling than seeing yourself get better and seeing the others around you, who work hard every day with you, get better.”
Individually, Edwards realizes he must be better than he was a year ago and has been this offseason. Now, he’s got to show it on game days.
“I hold myself to a high standard and everyone else does too,” he said. “Coaches and players, everyone holds me up to a high standard because of what I’m capable of.
“I’m excited. I just want to get ready to play some games.”
Contact staff writer Brian Howell at howellb@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/BrianHowell33
