Cleveland Browns sign RB Jahwan Edwards

The Cleveland Browns added running back Jahwan Edwards to the roster. Edwards finished his career at Ball State as the program’s leading rusher.

The Cleveland Browns made a minor, but still interesting, move on Saturday by signing running back Jahwan Edwards.

The team announced the move on its website.

The San Diego Chargers originally signed the 5-foot-9 and 220-pound Edwards in 2015 as an undrafted free agent out of Ball State. While he did not stick with the Chargers, Edwards did spend practice time last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins.

At Ball State, Edwards rushed for 4,558 yards to finish as the school’s all-time leading rusher, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark his final three seasons. His 1,410 rushing yards in 2012 were the third-most in school history. He also scored 51 rushing touchdowns as a Cardinal, another school record, hitting double-digits in all four seasons, so he knows how to find the end zone.

According to his draft profile at NFL.com:

"Edwards has the size to be an NFL back and he was a consistent producer within his conference, but his marginal play speed and tendency to drift toward the line of scrimmage could cause him to get captured more quickly than desired for a starting running back. He has the traits to be a backup, but must show special-teams ability and improved pass protection."

Ball State was the only school to offer Edwards a scholarship and the fact that he took the opportunity and, well, ran with it reveals a work ethic that fits in with the culture head coach Hue Jackson is building in Cleveland.

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“Jahwan is a great success story,” Ball State head football coach Pete Lembo said following the 2015 NFL Draft. “For the past four years, he embraced the process, took advantage of opportunities and treated people the right way. Now, he has rewritten the record books, has his Ball State degree in hand and has a shot to play at the next level. We are very proud of him and wish him well moving forward.”

With time growing short to earn a roster spot, there are just two preseason games remaining and the starters will take the majority of the work next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it may be hard for Edwards to make an impression.

The running game has actually been better than it appears so far in the preseason, as the quartet of Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Raheem Mostert and Terrell Watson have combined to average 4.75 yards per carry. (Although that number is dragged down by Crowell, who is only averaging 3.25 yards per carry.)

But given Edwards’ history of working for everything he receives, this may not be the last time Browns fans hear his name.