Freshman Tim Edwards was a high school All-American at Jamesville-Dewitt High School in Syracuse before joining the Canisius men’s lacrosse program this season.

Griffin writer Brady Phelps sat down with the former Central New York Co-Player of the Year this week.

Brady Phelps: What was the driving factor that brought you to Canisius?

Tim Edwards: I talked with all the coaches and thought they were great. I also came up for a visit and thought the team was a great group of guys, so it felt like a natural fit.

BP: What was your proudest high school accomplishment?

TE: My junior and senior year my team went undefeated two years in a row.

BP: How do you see yourself fitting in with the offensive scheme this year?

TE: Our offense has a lot of the same concepts as my high school offense. It is a very free offense, so I didn’t have to make too many adjustments to my game and style of play. Brendan O’Hagan and Nick Caldiero are the other two guys on my line and I think we play off of each other really well. Bo [O’Hagan] can create against a team’s best defender which opens up dodging opportunities for me and Caldiero has a dangerous shot from outside that is always a good look too.

BP: What non-lax aspect of Canisius do you like the most?

TE: The tunnels are really clutch on cold days.

BP: What do you think happened in the loss to #3 Cornell?

TE: Obviously they are a great team, but we are capable of playing up to their level. It was the first game and I think we were playing a little tight. Also we didn’t get as many possessions as we would have liked. Faceoffs are one of those things where some days you can win a bunch and other days none go your way. I am expecting the faceoffs to turn in our favor as the season progresses and that will be key to our success.

BP: How would you describe yourself as a player?

TE: I take a lot of pride in making the right decisions, so smart and fundamentally sound are two good characteristics of my game.

BP: Who is the biggest prankster in the locker room?

TE: Whoever keeps hiding Quinny’s [Christian Quinn] shower caddy, but for now he is unidentified.

BP: How did it feel to go back to Syracuse and beat the Orange in a scrimmage a few weeks ago?

TE: It was a lot of fun being able to play in the Carrier Dome. It was definitely a confidence booster for the team, but we understood that it was just a scrimmage and we can’t get complacent.

BP: How do you see the rest of the season turning out for Canisius lacrosse?

TE: We have great leadership in our senior class this year. No one on our team has made the MAAC Tournament before and that is our goal this year. The seniors have emphasized that we need to get better every practice and take one game at a time. Once we make the tournament anything can happen.

BP: Anything else you want the school and fans to know about yourself or the lacrosse program?

TE: We need all the support we can get this year in the stands. Our fast-paced style this year should be a lot of fun to watch.

By Brady Phelps