FROM STAFF REPORTS

Tennessee Tech University junior Marcus Edwards, a former Thompson High School football standout, has been recognized as one of the nation’s premier linebackers in the Football Championship Subdivision heading into the 2011 season.

Edwards, the Ohio Valley Conference leader in quarterback sacks a year ago, has been placed on the 2011 FCS Linebackers Watch List by the College Football Performance Awards website.

Edwards is the second Golden Eagle listed on the CFPA Watch Lists this month, following the selection of senior wide receiver Tim Benford.

Edwards is one of four linebackers from the OVC named to the list of 41 players expected to shine in 2011, joining Tyson Patrick of Eastern Kentucky, Rodney Garrott of Jacksonville State and Justin Woodlief of Southeast Missouri.

Edwards saw extensive action in all 11 games as a sophomore in 2010, including one start at Austin Peay. He made 15 solo tackles and assisted on 14 to finish with 29 total tackles, including 9.0 tackles-for-loss for 49 yards to rank second on the team and 15th in the OVC. He led Tech and topped the OVC with 7.5 quarterback sacks for 46 yards, and was named the OVC and FCS National Defensive Player of the Week following his efforts against Eastern Illinois when he had 4.5 sacks.