Appalachian State fans had something to celebrate the evening of the national championship. Former quarterback Armanti Edwards was announced as a member of the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Monday afternoon. Edwards is the second former Mountaineer to reach the CFB Hall of Fame.
From 2006 through 2009, Edwards guided the Mountaineers, then at the FCS level, to two national championships in 2006 and 2007. Edwards would also become the first two-time Walter Payton Award winner in FCS history. That award is given to the division's best player every year, colloquially referred to as the "FCS Heisman."
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Edwards broke or set several dozen App State program records while with the program, the majority of them in the passing category. He finished his college days with 10,392 passing yards, 74 passing touchdowns, 4,361 rushing yards, and 65 rushing touchdowns. Edwards was also the first Division I player with more than 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards in his career
Notably, Edwards was the App State quarterback that guided the Mountaineers to their famous 2007 win over #5 Michigan in Ann Arbor. He went on to spend 12 seasons in the NFL and CFL after being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL Draft.
"In my coaching career, there was not a player or person that was better than Armanti Edwards," former Appalachian State head coach Jerry Moore said in a statement released through the university. "He was tough, athletic, and never made an excuse. He led us to two national championships and graduated in three-and-a-half years. He was a terrific leader, even with a quiet demeanor. And he is an outstanding father and husband, a great example. I am excited for him to join the all-time greats as a member of the College Football Hall of Fame."
Edwards had his #14 jersey retired by App State earlier this year during the regular season.
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