Taylor Edwards is an in-demand prospect in the Class of 2016 who is high on UConn's list. A late-bloomer, Edwards only started playing football at 13 and didn't start playing defense until his junior year. Many schools are vying for his commitment, but UConn is one of the only ones looking at him specifically as a defender.

"They are looking at me as an outside linebacker," Edwards told UConn Report. "They broke down their scheme for me and explained the role of the (weak side) linebacker."

While most schools are looking at Edwards as an offensive prospect, he's excited by the opportunity to play defense at UConn in this role.

"That'd be a perfect fit for me," he said. "I play with a hand down in school, right at the line of scrimmage as a defensive end. As a linebacker I'd have a lot more freedom to make plays… I like what they're offering me right now."

In addition to UConn, Edwards holds offers from Wake Forest, Old Dominion, UMass and NC State. A number of schools plan on watching him play this season, including Miami, Virginia, and Vanderbilt, among others.

Coming out of Wilmington, Delaware, Edwards has embraced the underdog role which comes from being in a state with no reputation nationally for producing football talent.

"It's great. The best feeling is going to a camp or tournament or game and they ask you where you're from. Some kids don't even know where Delaware is. Once we get on the field they know."

Despite Delaware's lack of football reputation, Edwards is in touch with a few guys from the First State who have made it to the NFL. Together they are working to build a community geared towards helping talented athletes reach their full potential.

"If we can set an example, and kids looking up to us see other guys using sports as a way to get out, they know they can do the same. That's great."

As a prominent athlete in his community, Edwards takes on the responsibility of being a role model with excitement and humility.

"I know how many people across the country work so hard for these opportunities. I'm so humbled to be in the situation where I am right now. It makes me want to work harder."

This even comes through in his academic aspirations. Edwards hopes to major in criminal justice, motivated by a few mentors he had growing up who helped kids stay out of trouble as social workers.

Edwards received his offer from UConn a week after making a visit on his way back from a camp at BC. He spoke with co-defensive coordinators Anthony Poindexter and Vincent Brown, who called a week later to extend the offer. UConn's staff stays in touch with Edwards regularly.

UConn Report will be following the Husky coaching staff's lead and staying in touch with Edwards regularly as well.