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| Trent Edwards is the leader of a greatly improved Stanford offense in 2004 |
Cardinal Commitment: Trent Edwards Chat Wrap
Sophomore quarterback answered questions on Tuesday, October 21.
Stanford, Calif. - Sophomore quarterback Trent Edwards will hit the gostanford.com chat room this Thursday, October 21 (12:15 pm, PT) to continue a series of weekly chats with Cardinal football players throughout the 2004 campaign. The chat series is one element of the in-depth, detailed and exclusive coverage of the 2004 Stanford Football team featured on the Cardinal Commitment page of gostanford.com. Other features on the page include press releases, a behind the scenes look at the Stanford Athletics Department staff, promotion and ticket information, Buddy Teevens' press conferences, player reports, assistant coaching reports, and of course, Gameday Central every Saturday for all Stanford Football games.
This Thursday, fans will be chatting with a quarterback that has quickly developed into one of the nation's top up-and-coming signal callers. Edwards has started all six of Stanford's games this season and currently ranks third in the Pac-10 in total offense (1431, 238.5) and fifth in passing yards per game (231.7). He has completed 112 of his 200 passing attempts in 2004 for a total of 1390 yards, while adding eight touchdowns and throwing just five interceptions. On four occasions in 2004, Edwards has thrown for 200 or more yards and passed for a career-best 297 in a 37-10 win over Brigham Young on September 11. He also tossed a career-high three touchdowns passes against the Cougars.
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2002, Edwards made his debut with the Cardinal last season and earned First Team Freshman All-Pac-10 honors. Despite starting the season as the No. 2 quarterback behind returning starter Chris Lewis, he still managed to play in eight games and make four starts. Edwards made it on to the field for the first time in his career in relief of Lewis in the season-opener versus San Jose State and rallied the Cardinal from an early 10-0 deficit to a 31-10 victory as he finished the game 21-of-37 for 278 yards and two touchdowns (all season-bests). His performance versus the Spartans earned him the start in the team's second game of the season, an 18-14 upset win on the road at Brigham Young as he scored the game-winning touchdown on a 14-yard run with 3:51 to play and became the first redshirt quarterback to lead the Cardinal to a victory since the 1991 campaign. Edwards started three more games before injuring his shoulder against Washington State and saw only limited action the remainder of the season. He finished the campaign by completing 77-of-170 passes for 750 yards and four touchdowns.
In 14 career collegiate games and 10 starts, Edwards has completed 189-of-370 passes for 2140 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Political Science major is a local product from nearby Los Gatos High School, where he was an All-American as a senior and one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. USA Today ranked Edwards as the No. 1 passing quarterback in the country during his senior year, while he was tabbed the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the nation by Student Sports. He led his prep squad to a perfect 26-0 record and back-to-back Central Coast Section Division III championships during his final two seasons at the school, posting two-year totals of 5064 yards passing with 58 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while completing an astounding 74.8 percent of his passing attempts (279-of-373). Edwards racked up the honors as a senior, earning a Cal-Hi Sports First Team All-State selection, as well as San Jose Mercury News CCS and DeAnza League Player of the Year honors after completing 154-of-213 (72.3%) passes for 2535 yards and 29 TD's with just three interceptions. As a junior, he was named First Team All-CSS and All-DeAnza League, as well as a First Team All-State Underclassman and First Team Junior All-American when he set a state record with a completion percentage of 78.1% (125-of-160). He threw for 2529 yards with 29 touchdowns and just four interceptions in his junior campaign.
Edwards and his Stanford teammates are off to a strong start in 2004 with a 4-2 overall record and a 2-1 Pac-10 mark. After two consecutive road games, the Cardinal returns to Stanford Stadium for homecoming versus Pac-10 rival Oregon (3-3, 2-1 Pac-10) this Saturday, October 23, at 2:00 pm, PDT. The key conference contest will pit two of the five Pac-10 teams currently tied for second-place with 2-1 conference marks (one game behind league leader, unbeaten and top-ranked USC). Stanford leads the all-time series over Oregon, 43-23. The teams have not played at Stanford Stadium since 1997 when the Cardinal came up with a 58-49 victory in one of the wildest games ever played on The Farm. The Cardinal and the Ducks have clashed four times in Eugene since that meeting with Oregon winning three of the contests. Stanford's lone victory in those four games was a 49-42 thriller in 2001 that snapped Oregon's 23-game home win streak. Oregon has dominated the Cardinal in each of the last two meetings, winning 41-14 in 2002 and shutting out Stanford by a score of 35-0 last season.
This Saturday's game will be televised only on a tape-delayed basis in Oregon on the Oregon Sports Network. Live audio broadcasts of the contest can be heard on Stanford flagship station KNEW 910-AM, KZSU 90.1 FM and gostanford.com, as well as on the Stanford Football Radio Network (KFIA ... 710 AM, Sacramento ... KPSI 920 AM, Palm Springs ... KUIK 1360 AM, Portland).
If you would like to ask your questions for Trent ahead of time, please feel free to post them now, and we will save them for his arrival on Thursday.
Getting To Know Trent
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Trent Edwards: Hey, I'm here and ready to start answering your questions. |
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| Mrs. Ripley's 4th Grade Class-Group 1: What was the toughest team you ever faced? |
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Trent Edwards: We have faced a lot of great teams this year and I really can't say which one was the toughest. USC, I think was the all around best but there are a lot of close 2nd place finishers. |
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| Derek (San Francisco): Hey Trent!
Looking great so far, keep it up.
What has been the hardest hit you've taken so far, and how do you see the offense progressing since game 1? Stay healthy, we need you, and GO CARDINAL! |
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Trent Edwards: Derek, I took a hit last week against Will Derting that was pretty hard and a couple against BYU and SJSU that I can remember pretty well. As far as the offense, we've come a long way and we still have a long way to go. Thanks for the support. |
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| Ace (Los Gatos): What is your feeling on burp taking some of your reps at quarterback at practice? Do you think it's cause the bi's and abs he works on nightly? |
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Trent Edwards: Ace, I think you are referring to the talented kicker we have Derek Belch. He is an athlete, bottom line. I think he could be a phenom at quarterback and many other positions. I know he works hard in the weight room and you can really tell by his physique. Reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise from Top Gun. Good question Ace. |
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| Allison and Taylor (Auburn): Hi #5. You are the favorite #5 we know. When can we ride in your golf cart with you? Can we hide your helmet after Saturday's game? See you on Saturday. |
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Trent Edwards: Hi girls!!! I would be more than happy to give you guys a ride in the golf cart whenever you want. Now, I don't know if you can hide my helmet after the game but I will let you try it on. I'm looking forward to seeing you two at the game saturday and say hi to the rest of the Auburn Edwards. |
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Trent Edwards: I'm back here and the technical issues are fixed...we hope! |
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| Lola (Naperville,IL): I held my breath and prayed hard when you were "down" during Washington State game last week. What personal plans do you have to protect yourself from getting hurt during games. |
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Trent Edwards: Hi Lola, I'm looking forward to seeing you at this weekends game. Sorry to scare you last week as my mom was pretty scared too but I just need to do a better job of getting to the ground quicker. That play last week taught me a lot about protecting my body from serious injuries and I need keep that in mind when I'm out there on the field. |
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| Papatunde, Chicagoland: You got my MVP vote for the WSU game. Think 5-2 Saturday. What goes through your mind before and during a game? Is Baba nice to you? :-)))
BEAT THE DUCKS!
GO CARDINAL!!! |
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Trent Edwards: HI Papatunde. First off, yes Baba is a very nice teamate to me as well as the rest of the guys on this team. A lot goes through my mind before and during a game. Before I try to just stay relaxed and go through some of the plays in my head and what coverages I expect to see out there on the field. As for during the game, I just try to remain calm and not get too high or too low. It depends a lot on how the game is going. |
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| Jane (Palo Alto): Trent, first off congratulations on a great start! We are sure happy you picked Stanford over Oregon. Secondly, what are your driving motivations to do so well? Being fairly young to the college game, you play with seasoned zest, what has helped you get to this stage in your career? We are truly enjoying watching you all this season and wishing you and your team the best of luck! . . . . p.s. Happy Early Birthday Trant!! |
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Trent Edwards: Hey Jane, I am very happy with my college decision too. My driving motivations are becoming a better person, friend, student, and football player each day. I have learned a lot throughout my life whether it be on the football field, in the classroom, or any other setting, and I try to use those experiences to reach my goals and dreams. The bottom line is my family has allowed me to get to this stage in my career. My parents and sisters are my biggest fans and have really allowed to grow into the person I am today. 9 days and counting until the birthday, thanks for the support. |
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| Lloyd (redwood city): What happened to the frosted tips? Didn't that used to be your trademark hairstyle? |
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Trent Edwards: Those days are long gone. The frosted tips could be back this spring but it's hard to find time in season to get my hair done. Yes, it was my trademark and will always be my trademark. |
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| MIchael Forrest (Northridge, CA):
Trent...
Congratulations on a great first half of the season so far. Tough question for you. As someone who grew up - in your words - loving Cal and despising Stanford, do you ever stop to think how different things might be for you if you had gone to Cal? You'd be the starting QB under Jeff Tedford and Aaron Rogers probably would have gone elsewhere.
Best of luck the rest of the way.
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Trent Edwards: Michael, that's a good question but I can honestly say I have never had second thoughts about my decision to attend Stanford. Don't get me wrong, Cal is a great school but this place is where I am truly meant to be. |
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| Ducky: So you said you would have Matt LeBlanc play you if they were to make a movie of your life. Would he have to grow out his hair as long as yours to achieve the quality of this role? |
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Trent Edwards: I think based on his acting abilities he wouldn't allow his hair length to inhibit his ability to play the role of me. |
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| Vic (Stanford): How does it make you feel that Justin McCullum has a higher passer rating than you? And when do we get to see the double secret WR pass that goes back to you streaking down the sideline for the TD? Saving it for Cal> |
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Trent Edwards: Justin has some qb skills in him but I don't think he could survive the beating the qb's take each week. I am actually very happy he has a better passer rating than me because it setup our first touchdown this past week. Whatever helps this team win games is the most important to me. I can't give away our deep secrets though about the throwback to the qb play. Sorry! |
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| Tyler(San Jose): Hey,I've seen you play since your senior year in high school, and the pontential is starting to come around.What are your thoughts on Oregon's D |
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Trent Edwards: Oregon's defense is a unit that's getting better each week and gaining more and more confidence. Their secondary is quick and they have two big tackles up front that we need to keep under control this saturday. I'm really looking forward to playing the Ducks this Saturday. |
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| Alex (Foster City): Trent - congratualtions on a terrific start, and best wishes on a successful completion to the 2004 season (read: A bowl game victory).
My question: which do you believe has come first, greater improvement/production from you, or from your receivers...or do you believe you & the receivers have all blossomed simultaneously to help each other be successful this year so far?
PS: By all means in the future, when you scramble, PLEASE SLIDE!!! :) |
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Trent Edwards: It's a combination of the entire offensive unit working together this offseason, whether it be in the weight room or out on the field, to produce the success we've had so far this season. I promise I will slide next time. Thanks for your concern. |
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| Spanky from San Jose: Do you really expect us to buy the fact you enjoy giving blood and ironing? Seriously? |
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Trent Edwards: In all honesty, I do enjoy giving blood becasue after my season ending injury from last year, I needed 6 pints of blood transfused into me. Had there been a shortage of blood donors at that time, there's no telling what may have occured. My hobby for ironing, or keeping my clothes clean, came from my roommate last year Matt Traverso. Hey, if you don't look good you won't play good. |
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| Brian (Los Angeles): Are you a Bush man or a Kerry man? |
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Trent Edwards: I'm still deciding but will probably go with Kerry because I feel this country needs a change at the top. |
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| Veronica Vaughn (Los Angeles): Hi Trent! I have heard you have the BEST room at Stanford, why is that? |
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Trent Edwards: I have a perfect setup to my room over in Mirrielees this year. It suits my needs perfectly. If it's not the best than it's a close second. |
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| Dave Carpinteria, CA: Trent, Excellent season so far. Here's a question...which do you prefer ....shotgun or t-formation? |
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Trent Edwards: Dave, I feel real comfortable in the shotgun formation and our coaches have done a good job this year allowing me the freedome to do so when I feel the need. It's easier to see the field and where everyone on the defensive side is going. |
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| Addison Jacaranda: the NBC announcers noted that you live with fellow teammate Derek Belch... how did you decide to live with him and what is he like as a roommate?? also, i understand you are quite the player in Tiger Woods Golf for the playstation... can you elaborate on your game compared to others on the team? |
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Trent Edwards: My roomate is a respectable, passionate individual. Derek makes this pasta every Sunday night that is probably comparable to Martha Stewart's. I decided to live him because we share a lot in common and are very competitive people. This competiveness carries over into our nightly Tiger Woods battles in which I continue to dominate him. If anyone wants to challege, just come by the room. |
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| Mrs. Ripley's 4th Grade Class- Goup 3: What's the worst thing about football? |
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Trent Edwards: The worst thing about football is losing. I hate it more than anything in the world. Besides that, I love every aspect of football. |
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| Mrs. Ripley's 4th Grade Class- Goup 2: Have you ever had straight A's? Did you ever get detention? |
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Trent Edwards: I had straight A's a couple semesters in HS and fortunately never got detention. I hope Mrs. Ripely isn't grading too hard or sending too many of you to detention. |
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| LaQuita (Kansas City): I take it you're an ice cream guy. Which do you prefer, chocolate or vanilla? |
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Trent Edwards: I love chocolate. The chocolate shakes from the Stanford Park Hotel friday nights really hits the spot before each home game. |
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| Spanky (San Jose): Is it true that you are planning to work with a couple of local high school baseball coaches from your former high school so you can learn to SLIDE? That hit last week didn't really have to happen. I'm glad you bounced back though. Good luck this week. |
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Trent Edwards: I know a few local baseball coaches that I'm sure will contact me and give me advice on how to slide. You're right, the hit did not have to happen but it's part of the game. |
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| Iron Worker Mike (Honolulu, HI): Hi Trent! You seem to be a great kid with a good head on your shoulders; with all of the attention, how do you stay so humble? did you get into a lot of trouble when you were a kid? |
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Trent Edwards: Mike, it's good to hear from you. I haven't seen you since the 6th grade. I stay humbe because I surround myself with humble people. My family allowed me to learn this essential attribute growing up and I hope to pass it on to my kids in the future. |
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| Dolphin Lover: Bill Walsh often compares you to the Great Stanford QB's. Besides Dan Marino who else in the NFL do you look up to? |
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Trent Edwards: The three guys that come to mind are Brett Favre, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning. Those guys are so tough and embody everything a quarterback should and shouldn't be. I'm a Jay Fielder fan too. |
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| BMiL (Pasadena): Trent, it must seem like 10,000 snaps ago you were paying your dues on the scout team at Stanford. What advice do you have for those players on the scout team, on whatever level (HS, college, NFL) who are biding their time before getting a chance to showcase their talents? |
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Trent Edwards: Hey Brad! Everyone has to pay their dues and it is sometimes hard to understand that. No one likes being on the scout team but its' part of the game. You must use this experience as motivation to becoming a better player as well. |
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Trent Edwards: Thanks for all of your questions and hope to see everyone at the game Saturday. Go Cardinal!!! |
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