Ultimately, the decision was pretty simple. Even though other schools showed a lot of interest, Madison Central standout Nicky Edwards had already pretty much made up his mind.
“(Transylvania coach Chris Campbell) and I talked this fall and I was pretty set on (going there),” Edwards said. The Central third baseman verbally committed to the school in February and that decision was made official Tuesday when Edwards signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Transylvania. “I talked to a few coaches, but I really felt like that’s the place I should be and Transy where I’ve wanted to go,” Edwards said. “I’m comfortable with the coach. I feel I can talk to him about anything. It’s great to have a relationship with him as friend and a professional.” In the past three seasons, Edwards has become a versatile and dynamic performer for Central. The senior has been a fixture in the middle of the lineup for the Indians and has developed into a standout third baseman. He’s also been a key member of Central’s rotation. So far this season, Edwards is hitting .340 with 26 RBIs, nine doubles, 21 runs, three sac bunts and three sacrifice fly. He’s also 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA and 29 strikeouts. For his career, Edwards is a .345 hitter with 24 doubles, 68 RBIs, 66 runs scored and also has a 10-1 record with a 2.70 ERA and 67 strikeouts. Still, it’s his defense that is probably his most valuable asset. “I think he is the best third baseman in the state,” Central coach Steve Roof said. “He anchors our defense. It’s like having two shortstops on the field. He makes every play. He’s a leader. He’s a triple threat. He pitches for us and he’s been our five-hole hitter for three years.” Edwards had known Campbell for years, but they developed a comfortable relationship last summer when the Central senior played for a Kentucky Baseball Club summer team led by the Transy coach. "Nick, in addition to being an excellent student, is an outstanding athlete, and can play anywhere on the diamond,” Campbell said. “He most certainly is a linchpin to our 2011 recruiting class, and while we can see him impacting immediately at third base, he can also play the middle well and is a very good pitcher. We’re excited that he has decided to make Transy his home for the next four years.” At Transy, the versatile senior could contribute in many different roles. Edwards doesn’t expect to get an opportunity to pitch as a freshman, but he believes he will get the chance to push for playing time in the infield. “They recruited me as a dual guy,” Edwards said. “I’ve got a chance to play third base next year, which really made my decision easy. Having a chance to play as a freshman is really big.” Former Central standout Zach Harmon also play baseball at Transy. Edwards is the 21st Central baseball player to sign with a college since 2001. The No. 3 ranked Indians are set to return to action at 7:30 p.m. today against Berea Community in the finals of the 44th District Tournament at Madison Southern. Nathan Hutchinson, Richmond Register (5/24/11)
