Conway’s Edwards named a finalist for S.C. Mr. Football

Bryan Edwards’ high-profile career added another honor on Thursday.

One day after the Conway receiver was invited to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he was named one of the five finalists for South Carolina Mr. Football. He’s joined by Chapin quarterback Logan Bailey, Spartanburg running back Tavien Feaster, Dorman quarterback Collin Hill and Fort Dorchester offensive lineman John Simpson.

“I think you have a kid who deserves everything that comes his way; it doesn’t surprise you when it comes,” Conway coach Chuck Jordan said. “I’m not just talking about football. He’s done everything you expect him to do. He’s done the camps, he’s done the weight room, he’s done the class room.”

The award will be presented to the winner during the Palmetto Champions banquet on Dec. 3 in Columbia.

The ceremony was moved from halftime of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl North Vs. South in lieu of playoff delays. That day, Dec. 12, will also serve as the state championships for Class AAAA and Class AAA.

All five players come from the state’s top two classes.

As for Edwards, he’s had the type of senior season that certainly qualifies him to be considered among the best players in the state. Through seven games, he has 41 receptions for 873 yards and eight touchdowns. In his career, which started the first game of his freshman year, he’s tallied 176 catches for 2,466 yards and 31 touchdowns.

“If you look at his body of work, it doesn’t compare to anybody else,” said Jordan, pointing out for the second time in two days that Edwards won’t even turn 17 until December.

Conway’s Mykal Moody (2012) and Myrtle Beach’s Everett Golson (2010) were the last two local players named as finalists for the award. Myrtle Beach quarterback J.D. Melton (2004) is the only Grand Strand football player to have ever won it.

Like Edwards, Feaster and Simpson were also invited to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. All five finalists are Shrine Bowl selections, with that game taking place Dec. 19 at Wofford’s Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Conway’s Edwards named a finalist for S.C. Mr. Football."