Under the bright stadium lights, all eyes are locked on Ryan Edwards, number 12, as he leads the Warriors into a new season filled with memories, hard work, and brotherhood. After patiently waiting, Edwards finally steps into the spotlight as a leader following the recent graduate, number 15, Ian Reynolds. Reynolds was calling plays, securing wins, and being the man to turn to on the team since his sophomore year. This season, Edwards has some big shoes to fill as a new leader commanding the team.
Ryan Edwards was thrilled that all of his four years of hard work paid off when Coach Aull told him that he was going to be a critical leader on the team. This season, Edwards is ready to lead the Warriors to a state championship and be the teammate to turn to. During summer training, while not at North Atlanta High practicing in the intense heat all day, he exercised his leadership role with his teammates Cameron Lanier and Josh McCullough. Ryan Edwards is very committed to his warrior family and his coaches, so the ability to be a teammate someone can lean on is a great responsibility he cherishes. When people are nervous, he gives them much-needed encouragement. “Just remember to have fun and do your best, control what you can control,” he said.
Another four-year veteran, Cameron Lanier, number 1, has been playing alongside Edwards since their freshman year. Their friendship has become stronger over the five years of knowing each other, making them better athletes on the field and also strengthening their chemistry. They make an unstoppable force, especially during intense games. “Being in the huddle with Ryan gives me confidence because we have been with each other for a long time,” he said. “It’s not different in high-pressure situations because it’s more of a second-nature scenario to us”.
He exemplifies leadership in ways that not everyone can. It’s not just what he does on the field, but what he does off the field as well. Exemplifying that he cares, he will bring his O-lineman Chick-fil-A biscuits. To the players, Ryan Edwards isn’t just a mentor- they see him as the athlete to emulate and the dedicated friend to make the journey worthwhile.
