Meet KJ Edwards: The Next Elite College Football Running Back
In the heart of Texas, a rising star in high school football is making waves that are resonating across the college recruiting landscape. Kelwin “KJ” Edwards, a junior running back from Carthage High School, is not just another promising athlete; he is a force to be reckoned with, and here’s why.
Player Profile:
KJ Edwards stands at 5-10 and weighs 175 pounds, but his stature belies his immense talent and physicality. Hailing from Carthage, Texas, Edwards is touted as a top-50 prospect nationally and one of the top 10 Texas high school football prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. His impressive stats and accolades have already garnered significant attention from top college programs[2][4].
Recent Performance:
Edwards’ latest achievement is nothing short of spectacular. He led Carthage to their 10th state championship in school history with a standout performance in the Class 4A Division II state title game. In this decisive match, Edwards rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries, earning him the Offensive MVP honors. This performance is a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure and his crucial role in his team’s success.
College Offers:
The college football world is taking notice of Edwards’ prowess. He holds more than two dozen FBS offers, including from seven prestigious SEC programs: Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas A&M. Other notable offers come from Baylor, Houston, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, and USC. This array of offers underscores his potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level[2][4].
Athletic Abilities:
Edwards is often described as an “Alvin Kamara-type back” due to his speed, physicality, and all-around skills. He boasts very good balance and has significantly improved in pass protection, making him a complete back who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. His ability to make explosive plays out of cuts and excel as a one-cut-and-go slasher sets him apart from his peers[2][4].
Coach and Team Praise:
Carthage head coach Scott Surratt has high praise for Edwards, noting, “He’s very physical… He does a great job in the passing game. He’s a third-down back just for protection and stuff. And he is durable. He’s just a great player.” This endorsement from his coach highlights Edwards’ versatility and reliability on the field.
Carthage senior offensive tackle Kash Courtney, an Arkansas Razorbacks signee, also commended Edwards’ ability to make plays once he reaches the second level of the defense. This insight from a teammate who has witnessed Edwards’ growth and performance firsthand adds to the growing consensus about his exceptional talent.
Career Milestones:
Edwards’ impressive career milestones are a reflection of his consistent excellence. As a freshman, he averaged 11.4 yards per carry with 535 yards and seven touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he ran for 1,706 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns, leading the team to the 4A D-II state quarterfinals. These statistics demonstrate his rapid growth and his critical role in Carthage’s success over the years.
Additional Notes:
Edwards’ impressive playoff run included a 214-yard, four-touchdown performance against Krum and an 85-yard touchdown run against Van. These performances showcase his ability to perform under pressure and his knack for making game-changing plays.
