Since former starting quarterback Jake Purichia graduated in May, Southwest Baptist University transfer senior TJ Edwards has taken over the University of Indianapolis football teams quarterback position.
Edwards transferred from SBU, which is a fellow GLVC institution to UIndy. He is going into his senior year and final year of collegiate football eligibility here at the university.
Edwards started his freshman year as quarterback at SBU earning the 2015 GLVC Freshman of the Year Award and 2016 All-GLVC First Team. Edwards was also named GLVC Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 after setting a single-season school record with 44 total touchdowns as well as leading SBU to a 10-2 season the same year.
Edwards said that before deciding to transfer to UIndy, he did some research on the university and the team.
“With SBU being in the same conference, I played [against] UIndy for three years,” Edwards said. “So, I did a little research after the 2018 season and found out that Jake [Purichia] was graduating. I kind of knew they were looking for someone to step in and take care of his role.”
Head Football Coach Chris Keevers said that with senior transfers, every situation is different.
“During the summer, we’re always looking to get better. So, this was an opportunity, that when he contacted us, we wanted to improve that position,” Keevers said. “It’ll be a case by case [basis] and we like to sign kids on signing day, but if we have the funds available and we can help our team, then we’re going to do it.”
After being at UIndy for only a few weeks now, Edwards has already broken the GLVC’s career record for touchdown passes in the game against Ashland University and more recently has broken the record for most passing yards and most total yards in the game against Mckendree University.
Even with his personal wins, Edwards said individual awards are not his main focus. While Edwards appreciates receiving his own awards, he’s here to help the team win.
According to Edwards, he has been enjoying the season and is having the time of his life. He said he is getting great coaching and loving the experience. The coaches have made him feel at home through his transition, he said.
Keevers said that so far this season, Edwards has fit right in with the team and has proven what a hard worker he is.
“When he [Edwards] came in, we talked right off the bat,” Keevers said. “I said, ‘Hey, I know this is our expectation [from you]’ and he has been great with the team, the kids like him and they’ve blended in well together…he’s really fit in. It’s a credit to him, he’s really just been a good person and a good leader and he’s worked his tail off. Here at the University of Indianapolis, we respect work. Guys that work are guys who are praised and liked, and he’s done that.”
As for the rest of the season, the team will take it one game at a time, said Keevers. They are happy with how they’re playing so far and want to keep their goals intact.
Along with their goals, according to Edwards, the coaches are doing a great job with making the game plan.
“We just wanna take each week 1-0 and just looking to come out with a victory,” Edwards said. “…Just looking to go out and play our game, do whatever the coaches tell us to do and follow the game plan.”
So far this season, Edwards has had 627 passing yards, resulting in seven touchdowns. Along with that, he has had 116 rushing yards, scoring two touchdowns for the hounds himself.
The Hounds are currently 3-0, beating Ashland University, Hillsdale College and McKendree University. So far the football team has outscored opponents 135-51 this season. The team’s next game will be this Homecoming weekend, Sept. 27, against SBU.
