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Gus Edwards looks like the perfect back for Jerry Kill’s offense at Rutgers
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If you attempted to build the ideal running back for a Jerry Kill offense, the model would probably look a lot like Gus Edwards.
There were only two things that were known heading into Rutgers’ season opener against Washington last Friday: Kill loves to run the football, and the Scarlet Knights were no good at doing that a year ago. Considering the Huskies were such heavy favorites, the Week 1 game felt like more of a trial run for the new-look offense.
Edwards made it work. In fact, the Miami transfer seemed like he’d been running Kill’s system for years. He knew where the holes would be, understood blocking assignments and even slipped past defenders to open himself up as a receiver a few times. By the end of the night, Edwards accounted for 97 all-purpose yards (79 rushing, 18 receiving) and looked like Rutgers’ best offensive weapon.
This is just the starting point for Edwards’ potential.
Kill didn’t have a hard time praising his top running back through fall camp. Before the season opener, the offensive coordinator told NJ.com that Edwards had a chance to be a special player and was a next-level back.
“He’s got tremendous balance and he runs with a low-pad level for a big guy,” Kill said. “There’s no question in my mind that if he stays healthy he’ll play at the next level. I’ve coached some good running backs as y’all know and I’m anxious to see him play. Because if he plays like he’s practiced then we’ll have a chance.”
Rutgers did have a chance against Washington, and the Scarlet Knights will continue to have their chances. But not just because Edwards is toting the rock 20-plus times per game. Kill’s scheme and Edwards’ skill-set is as close to a perfect football marriage as it gets.
Edwards’ performance last Friday looked similar to that of former Gophers running back David Cobb, who rushed for 1,629 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014. Edwards showed he’s a physical runner with excellent vision and a sneaky elusiveness to his game. Those are the backs that can thrive in Kill’s offense.
That’s not to say Edwards is going to have the same success that Cobb had during his time at Minnesota, he probably won’t come close to that. But there is something to be said for a guy who was able to breathe a little life into Rutgers’ rushing attack, which ranked 104th nationally last season.
It’s just one game, but the Scarlet Knights already appear to have a more competent approach on the ground.
Edwards gives Rutgers a dynamic it didn’t have last year. Against Washington, he hit the open seam a few times and was able to power through defenders. It allowed Kill to utilize the play-action pass and work in some half back screens. For at least half the game, the Knights kept the defense guessing.
Without the ball, Edwards was still able to make a difference.
He didn’t have the biggest numbers and he didn’t have the most athletic moves in Week 1, but Edwards proved to be a quality B1G running back in his Rutgers debut. He could be a really dangerous player after a few weeks in Kill’s offense.
Who would’ve thought a guy averaging 325 yards per year could be the answer the Rutgers’ rushing woes?
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB