Orono, Maine -- Earnest Edwards has been named a first team All-American kick returner by HERO Sports, as announced by the organization on Monday, Dec. 16.

Edwards adds the accolade to his already impressive list of postseason honors. The senior, Maine's all-time record holder for kick return yards (2,311), kick return touchdowns (6) and total kick returns (90), was previously named the Colonial Athletic Association's (CAA) Special Teams Player of the Year. Edwards earned All-CAA first team honors as both a wide receiver and a kick returner and was named to the 2019 New England Football Writers College Division All-New England Team as a kick return specialist.

As a receiver, Edwards capped his career as Maine's all-time leader in receiving yards, racking up 2,641 yards on 143 career receptions, good for 11^th best all-time at Maine. Edwards, who recorded a touchdown in 18 of his last 19 career games, finished his senior campaign ranked third in the CAA in receiving yards (1,097), second in receiving yards per game (99.7) and ninth in receptions per game (4.5). In 11 games, Edwards registered five, 100 yard receiving performances including a season-high 153-yard day at Elon. He graduates with 5,436 all-purpose yards.

-UMaine-