Armwood’s Edwards, Baines commit to Akron

Posted Jan 29, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 29, 2012 at 01:10 PM

After University of Akron football coach Terry Bowden met with Armwood running back Wade Edwards during a home visit Wednesday night, the Zips’ new head coach happened to mention his need for linebackers.

Edwards had just he guy for Bowden: Hawks linebacker Keionne Baines, who led the Class 6A state championship team in tackles last season. After Edwards pitched a few more details about Baines, Bowden invited both players up for a visit to Akron.

Sunday, the two Hawks accepted Bowden’s scholarship offers. And now they will continue their careers together at Akron, which is trying to rebuild its struggling football program under the son of legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

“If you asked me before this weekend how close Wade and Keionne were, I’d probably say they were casual friends who played on the same football team,” said Armwood head coach Sean Callahan. “But after what Wade did to get Keionne an offer up there, I’d say they are very close friends now. Wade really politicked for Keionne and, honestly, this was more Wade getting this done than me. I think that really shows what kind of person Wade is.”

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Edwards finished the season with 726 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing on 98 carriers. He also made 24 receptions for 463 yards and another six TDs. Edwards was arguably one of the Hawks’ most vital athletes, scoring some of their most crucial TDs en route to the state title, including the winning score against Bartram Trail in the state semifinals.

The 5-11, 220-pound Baines made an impressive transition last fall from a running back at his previous school (East Bay) to the anchor in the middle of the Hawks’ defense at linebacker. Besides his impressive tackle total, Baines had four sacks, three interceptions, caused three fumbles, recovered one and defended six passes.

Photos: Armwood running back Wade Edwards (top) and linebacker Keionne Baines, two of the top performers on the Hawks’ Class 6A state title team last fall, are headed to the University of Akron together.