The Countdown 2010: 20 Days to Go

20: Terrence Edwards, Wide Receiver #8 (1999 – 2002)

The name “Terrence Edwards” may be one of the most polarizing phrases a Georgia fan can offer up. While Edwards clearly has a place among the best receivers in Georgia, and SEC for that matter, history, more people like to remember the plays he didn’t make. In particular, the dropped pass against Florida in 2002 that ended Georgia’s perfect season. And while that play may be what most remember, Edwards was an amazingly talented player who sits near the top of every major receiving category in Sec history.

Edwards came the Athens from Tenille, Georgia, the younger brother of Georgia great Robert Edwards. He played quarterback in high school, but switched to receiver prior to his first game against Utah State in 1999. His career got off to a fast start, as he caught 10 passes for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns. He would become the first freshman since Lindsay Scott to lead the team in receiving, as he hauled in 53 catches for 772 yards and 9 touchdowns. His sophomore season was another successfully campaign, as he once again led the team in receiving with 53 catches for 704 yards and four touchdowns. In Georgia’s bowl game against Virginia, Edwards even got to dust off his quarterback skills. He rushed the ball 5 times for 97 yards, including a 40 yard touchdown run as Georgia defeated Virginia, 37-14.

During Mark Richt’s first season, Edwards struggled with dropped passes and was eventually benched by Coach Richt. He recovered to once again lead the team in receiving with 39 catches for 613 yards and 6 touchdowns. 2002 got off to a solid start, with Edwards and Fred Gibson providing David Greene a dynamic duo of receivers to throw to. Here is one of the best executed play action fakes I have ever seen:

Then the Florida game happened. He recovered to have a solid game the following week against Ole Miss (5 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown) and was injured for the Auburn game, allowing for Michael Johnson to have a big game. He returned to action in the blowout victory over Tech and caught 7 passes for 92 yards in the SEC Championship victory over Arkansas. For the season, he led the Dawgs in receiving for the fourth consecutive season with 59 catches for 1004 yards and a school record 11 touchdowns. He was named to the All-SEC first team following the season.

Edwards’ statistics during his four career in Athens are quite impressive. He totaled 204 catches for 3,093 yards and 30 touchdowns, all first all-time at the University of Georgia. He third all-time in SEC history in receptions, first all-time in the SEC in receiving yards, and second all-time in the SEC in touchdown receptions. He played in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2003 season and is now one of the top receivers in the Canadian Football League.