By Steven Barrera & Maya Lockett
It has become a trend for College of the Canyons (COC) to send their athletes to four-year universities and Armani Edden is joining that list. The star quarterback will be taking his talents to the University of Hawai’i.
Image by Cory Rubin
His path however has not always been easy. In high-school he had an offer from East Carolina University that did not fall through. Along with other offers from the likes of the University of Southern California, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
All of the Universities initially offered him as a blueshirt which allows for unrecruited players to be awarded a scholarship at the start of the freshman year. Unfortunately all the Universities would later take back their offer.
“It was absolutely gut wrenching,” said Edden.
After some uncertainty Edden decided to go to Antelope Valley College (AVC). That is where he would meet coach Wright.
Wright was the receiver coach at AVC and had been a mentor for Edden. After Edden’s freshman season Wright would become the receiver coach at COC.
Edden thought a move would be good for him as well. “It was an opportunity to compete in a better tier of teams and compete for a championship” said Edden.
That decision proved to be a good one. Edden threw for 3,044 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for six more in his sophomore campaign. “I love my COC family” said Edden “The culture at COC is amazing and a winning one.”
Image by Armani Edden
Edden made the choice to commit to the University of Hawai’i beacause head coach Todd Graham believed in him and his abilities to do great in their system. Having talked to quarterback’s coach and offensive coordinator GJ Kinne for a couple months made his decision even more clear.
“I’m looking forward to making Hawaii a mountain west champion and being a part of the culture there,” said Edden.
