Standout tailback from East Texas decides to stay in-state after making college commitment

5 hours ago 1

One of the top running backs from East Texas, not to mention a state champion, has decided on a college.

KJ Edwards (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), an incoming senior tailback from defending UIL 4A Division II state champion Carthage (Texas), committed to Texas A&M. He chose the Aggies over other schools such as Texas, LSU, SMU and Alabama.

Edwards is a two-time state champion at Carthage and was the Offensive MVP for the Bulldogs last season in their 4A DII title-game win, beating Waco La Vega, 28-14, a game in which Edwards rushed for 188 yards on 18 carries with two TDs.

As a junior in 2024, Edwards rushed for 1,789 yards and 23 TDs, averaging 12.6 yards per carry. He also caught 30 passes for three more TDs.

“All glory to God!! AggieLand I’m home,” Edwards said in a post on the X page of On3 national recruiting analyst Hayes Fawcett.

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 17, 2025

Edwards is considered a four-star running back and the No. 4 ranked running back in the nation by On3.com, which also reported that he had visited Texas A&M last weekend, deciding then and there to commit to the Aggies.

With Edwards’ commitment, he became the 17th commitment in the Class of 2026 for Texas A&M, entering its second season under coach Mike Elko.

In three seasons at Carthage, Edwards has rushed for more than 4,000 yards and has reached the end zone 54 times. He is now getting set to try and finish his Bulldog career with a flourish for a Carthage squad expected to return to Arlington this December and win its 11th state championship, all under legendary coach Scott Surratt.