Aug. 7, 2008
ATLANTA – Sophomore safety Mario Edwards, a transfer from Virginia Tech, was cleared by the Atlantic Coast Conference Thursday to play football for Georgia Tech this season.
Edwards, who spent two years at Virginia Tech before transferring to Georgia Tech this summer, received a waiver of required residency from the NCAA earlier this summer. However, because Edwards transferred within the ACC, he also had to receive a unanimous vote from the league’s 12 faculty athletic representatives, which happened earlier today.
“I found out about three or four minutes before the start of practice today,” Edwards said. “I was confident that this would happen, but the longer it went the more nervous I got. I just kept praying and hoping that this would happen.”
The NCAA and the ACC approved the waiver due to an illness within Edwards’ family that requires him to be near his hometown of College Park, Ga.
“I am very happy for Mario,” head coach Paul Johnson said. “He has worked really hard and he’s got a chance to contribute for us.”
Edwards, 6-1, 210, has been practicing at free safety with the Yellow Jackets since practice began one week ago.
Edwards was an all-state performer at Westlake High School, where he played defensive back and wide receiver. As a senior at Westlake, Edwards recorded four interceptions, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.
Considered one of the nation’s top prep defensive backs, Edwards went to Virginia Tech in the fall of 2006 and redshirted as a true freshman. Last season he saw action in four games for the Hokies as a redshirt freshman.
“I feel like I can contribute this year,” Edwards said. “I can play anywhere in the secondary and I am prepared to play any position that would help the team.”
Edwards may have an opportunity to play against his old team on Sept. 13 when the Yellow Jackets play Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.
YELLOW JACKET NOTEBOOK
– Georgia Tech’s single, full-pads practice was delayed 20 minutes Thursday because of lightning in the area.
– The Yellow Jackets have two practices scheduled for Friday: 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field.
– Tech will practice Saturday morning at 9:30 in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
