UNI RB Tye Edwards traces early-season success to his faith and extra workouts

CEDAR FALLS — Running back Tye Edwards’ decision to transfer to Northern Iowa ahead of the 2023 season and his career-best production through this season’s first two games all goes back to his faith.

After rushing for 536 yards in nine games a season ago, Edwards’ 310 yards rushing is UNI’s second-best total through a season’s first two games since All-American David Johnson ran for 342 yards in his first two in 2013.

“I’ve gotten closer to God and started working for what I prayed for,” Edwards told The Gazette. “Ever since then I’ve just been going hard Monday through Sunday.

“Even if we have voluntary workouts Monday, I make sure I get it in, then get another one in. Even Sunday, after the game, I make sure I get a workout in. I always like to try to work out when I feel like the opponent is sleeping.”

Even after a successful 2023 debut season with the Panthers, Edwards said he didn’t hold himself accountable and work to his full capabilities. Now, with an invigorated focus on his faith and work ethic, the 2024 version of the Panthers’ 6-foot-4, 230-pound running back has been spectacular.

“This guy is running hard and every run he’s running hard,” UNI Coach Mark Farley said. “That guy is hitting the hole the way he’s supposed to. He’s seeing the field (well). You can see the prep, the time, the effort there.”

A running back rotation with Amauri Pesek-Hickson that has the duo substituting for one another after every three plays also has played a big part in the success.

UNI’s 298.5 rushing yards per game average as a team ranks fourth in the FCS and second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

“Humbly speaking, I’ve always said to myself the only way I can be slowed down is if I’m a little exhausted,” Edwards said. “(The rotation) keeps us fresh. I don’t think I’ve been sore after a game yet. I love the rotation. Everybody eats.”

How Tye Edwards arrived at UNI

Edwards’ journey to UNI has been a circuitous one. The Palatka, Fla., native began his collegiate career at Georgia Military College in 2019. He then played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas where he earned NJCAA first-team All-America honors after helping lead the Blue Dragons to a national title.

With his career peaking, he transferred to Texas-San Antonio for the 2022 season, but played in just three games, provoking him to enter the transfer portal and ultimately find the opportunity he was looking for at UNI.

“If I make any moves in life — no matter what it is, on or off the field — I make sure I take it up with God. If it feels right, then I go along with it,” Edwards. “After that Coach Farley reached out to me and we had a good relationship. So far it’s been paying off and I’m grateful.”

UNI takes on No. 23 Nebraska on the road this week

Next up for Edwards and the Panthers (2-0) is a 6:30 p.m. Saturday (BTN) road game at 23rd-ranked Nebraska (2-0).

The matchup against an FBS opponent is UNI’s annual opportunity to receive pivotal compensation for its program. It’s also an opportunity for its players to prove they were overlooked by bigger programs.

However, Edwards is approaching it like every other game.

“Of course it’s a big game, but for me personally I just take it like any other game, I make sure I attack it like a championship game,” Edwards said. “No matter how many fans there are — I just see that as an opportunity.”