Fireworks went off all around the city last Wednesday on the fourth of July, but a few may get set off a few hundred miles north of the five boroughs Tuesday morning. That’s when Tottenville bruising running back Augustus Edwards picks a college at a press conference at the Huguenot school.
Multiple sources have told The Post Edwards will become the latest city standout to join the Orange and head coach Doug Marrone. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound standout told The Post on Monday he has decided on a school from his final four of Syracuse, Virginia, North Carolina State and Maryland.
“The biggest thing was trust from the coaches, playing early and how I get along with the team, how I fit in with the team,” said Edwards, who rushed for 995 yards on 146 carries with 10 touchdowns and scored three more times also in leading Tottenville the PSAL City Championship division semifinals a year ago.
Based on that, it would seem to indicate Syracuse, where he would join former teammate Alvin Cornelius. Plus, just a few weeks ago, he indicated Syracuse was his favorite. The Orange had 10 city players a year ago and are also involved with Edwards’ good friend, Thomas Jefferson defensive end Ebenezer Ogundeko, who is down to Syracuse, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Florida, and Xaverian running back Laray Smith.
Additionally, Edwards has only visited Syracuse of the final four schools on his list. At one point, he had 17 BCS-level scholarship offers, which included UConn, Vanderbilt, Indiana, Rutgers and Pittsburgh.
As for why he is deciding so early, Edwards said: “I want to get it out of the way. I want to focus on my season.”
Whoever lands Edwards will be getting an impact player down the road, one Division I coach familiar with him said.
“His potential is unlimited,” the coach said. “He runs downhill, he puts his foot in the ground and goes. He’s a back that can help you win games in the ACC. He’s got great size, good speed, he’s a tough kid, plays on a winning program. He can run, he can catch.”