DAINGERFIELD, Texas – Steve Edmond has weathered losses far more lasting than any football defeat.
Two years ago, the senior linebacker's father died after battling multiple sclerosis for years. Last season, his uncle — a member of 1983 Tiger team that went 16-0, got 14 shutouts, won the state title and gave up just eight points the entire year — was killed in a car accident as he drove back from one of Daingerfield's playoff games.
"He's dealt with that kind of thing," said Edmond's coach, Barry Bowman.
Edmond, one of the top players in Texas, is coming off a championship year in which he made 182 tackles — 32 for losses — and snagged five interceptions. The defense gave up an average of just nine points a game and 144 yards.
"I just read (the quarterbacks') eyes and go to the ball," he said.
Bowman sees a big future for Edmond and knows he's got the dedication to improve when he plays college ball at Texas.
"I will not be surprised all of us watching him on Sunday," he said. "He knows how to work."
The linebacker isn't interested in drawing attention, though, said Barry Bowman, his coach. "He does not like the limelight," Bowman said. "He's just a kid who happens to be a great football player."
And how to be a leader without making a lot of noise.
"He's more by example," Bowman said. "He's not a rah-rah guy."
Edmond was recruited by Notre Dame, Oklahoma, USC, Alabama and Florida State, but he has given a verbal commitment to the Longhorns.
"I will be ready for it," he said.
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