There are high expectations for former Norwalk running back Cam Edwards this college football season.

UConn’s leading rusher in each of the last two seasons, Edwards has only improved since he stepped onto campus unsure what position he’d play as a freshman. He was recognized this week by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum, which included his name on the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award. The award, named after SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker, is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

Edwards found his role in the running back room by necessity in 2023, when the unit was marred by injury. After carrying the ball just twice in 2022, the former Norwalk High star saw his workload increase to a team-high 123 carries, 618 yards and four rushing touchdowns as a sophomore. Last season, Edwards continued on his trajectory and had 830 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 138 carries, also catching 13 passes for 148 yards and two scores.

“I feel like I’m in a good place right now,” Edwards said when preseason camp opened for media day last week. “It’s like backyard football for me, I feel very prepared and I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

Edwards’ goal of reaching 1,000 yards rushing, a mark that hasn’t been achieved by a UConn running back since Kevin Mensah in 2018 and 2019, is in reach. Only 51 running backs in the nation hit that goal last season.

The Huskies will continue their rotation of running backs to preserve fresh legs, but Edwards is in position to be the No. 1 option. His running style is complimented by speedsters in Mel Brown and Bristol native Victor Rosa, as well as Eastern Illinois transfer MJ Flowers.

“Our plays, our reps are like gold,” Edwards said. “Every play, I go out there and I have the mentality of, I’m ready to go score. Whenever I’m in the game I’m looking to go score and if it’s somebody else, so be it. I’m happy for my teammates and whoever makes the plays, I’m happy for everybody.”

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the winner. The National Selection Committee consists of past winners, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

Originally Published: August 5, 2025 at 12:27 PM EDT