2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jeremy Edwards, P, Eastern Kentucky University

• Name: Jeremy Edwards
• Position: P
• College: Eastern Kentucky University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• X (Twitter): @cecilnedwards
• Instagram: @iamjeremyedwards

What made you decide wanted to be a football player?

I was watching the NFL on tv at home one day in Australia and thought “I think I could give that a go?”, so I decided to try my luck with Prokick Australia and fell in love with the game. My weekends were then taken up by watching college and NFL games on tv, studying the different aspects of the game, and dreaming about standing on a field one day. Before I knew it, the first ever live game I had watched I was actually playing in.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Walking on the field for the first time at Eastern Michigan last year for my first ever game, the 7OT win against Bowling Green in 2022, and winning the Conference Championship in 2022. But without a doubt my favourite moment of all was the first time my family had come from Australia to watch me. Looking up into the stands and actually seeing them all was a feeling I will never forget.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to be the best teammate possible, I want to bring the best out of everyone around me while progressing my career as far as possible. I would love to sign a professional contract and get the opportunity to take my game to the next level surrounded by the best of the best on the way to a championship.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

It is pretty cliche being a punter but Ray Guy. I would love the opportunity to spend some time with him and hear about his stories and experiences in the years he has had the opportunity to be around the game. Being able to listen to his lessons and learn from him would be life changing.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

It’s hard to pinpoint one of them. Mum and Dad, Nan, My Uncle and my girlfriend Sophie are the biggest motivation for me. Everything they have accomplished in their lives and done for me is the reason I keep working as hard as I do. I just want to make them proud and see them smile every time I run out on that field. They have all done so much for me over my lifetime and it’s something I hold incredibly close to my heart.

What is your typical training routine?

It varies from day to day. As long as I am doing something to get better every day, whether that be kicking, lifting, ball drops, technique work, stretching, running, or watching film, I am happy. I usually try to combine 2-3 of those things every day depending on what other things I have on like class or work.

What should we know about Jeremy Edwards the person?

You should know that I am a team player, I love being around the team and building relationships with all my mates. Building up the people around me and leading by example is the way to achieve our goals. If the guys around me trust me and play their best, then that allows me to do my best and work towards success as a team. I love to work hard and to put the extra mile in wherever possible.

What stands out about your film the most?

My dynamic ability. This sets me apart from other punters as I am able to move around the pocket and keep my eyes up to read where the defensive pressure is coming from. The ability to roll out left and right, as well as staying in the pocket and holding onto the ball gives my team the best chance to get down in coverage and limit return yards. I excel at keeping the ball away from the returner to ensure the defence starts from the most efficient position as possible.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’m a big “write it down and cross it off” kind of guy. If something is bothering me or I’m facing any sort of adversity, I like to either make a physical or mental note and break it down piece by piece to work through the adversity. Having a close relationship with my family off the field and my teammates on the field allows me to talk through situations and ensure the challenges don’t weigh me down.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Whatever program gives me an opportunity is going to get a motivating leader who brings the best out of the people around me. As I said, I want to ensure my team trusts me and I trust them to ensure we work together to achieve our goals. I’m ready to get to work and give my 110% wherever I am.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the complexity, I still don’t understand majority of the rules on offence and defence but I’m doing my best to learn it all. Having so many moving parts on the field at once is like a work of art, everything works together and feeds of each piece. It’s beautiful to watch and learn.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

It would definitely be EKU’s centre in the 2023 season, John Stone. He’s had an incredible year and a big part of his game that goes unnoticed is his football IQ. Watching him operate at practice, in the film room, and in game shows a side that often gets overlooked. The way he brings up the people around him is something I aspire to be like. A true work horse that does everything in his power to get better.