Leading by Example: Kyree Edwards
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Savannah Thompson
Kyree Edwards is a Bluefield University junior and the starting running back for the Rams football team. He is recognized as a dedicated and hard-working player, excelling both athletically and academically.
Born in Gainesville, Florida, Edwards graduated from Williston High School and transferred to Bluefield from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. He is majoring in criminal justice. During his high school career, he received the Pride of the Devils Award for his exceptional performance and effort both on and off the field. He also earned Class 1R First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Area Running Back honors after an outstanding senior season, amassing 1,730 yards and 31 touchdowns in a 10-1 season. Additionally, Edwards played basketball in high school.
He was a recipient of the spring 2026 Rammie Award and was named the offensive player of the year for the 2025-2026 football season. In the first half of the 2026-2027 season, Edwards was twice named the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Offensive Player of the Week. In one game, he achieved a career-best with 22 attempts and 200 rushing yards in a 28-7 victory over Greensboro.
“Kyree embodies determination, hard work, and the drive to succeed,” said fellow BU football player Joel Edwards. “At Bluefield University, every challenge to him is an opportunity to grow, every setback is a lesson, and every achievement is a step forward to his success.”
Head football coach Dewey Lusk said Edwards is a highly likable individual both on and off the field. He also said Edwards is a young man of integrity.
“Kyree possesses one of the best characters I’ve ever coached in my football career,” Coach Lusk said. “He prioritizes the team, is courteous, polite, and physical on the field. He not only leads by example to the younger players, but also leads the team vocally. He is a father, a football player, and a student before an athlete.”
Edwards’ favorite aspects of Bluefield University are football Saturdays and competing on the field.
“There’s nothing like being on the field competing alongside my brothers and making memories together,” Edwards said.
Upon arriving at Bluefield, his expectations were to compete on the field, work hard, and help improve everyone around him to win games. Off the field, Edwards aims to stay focused on his grades and graduating. His primary goal on graduating from Bluefield is to pursue his dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL).
“I want to take football as far as I can and hopefully make it to the next level,” Edwards said.
Teammate David Metz spoke highly of Edwards as a person and as a player.
“He is humble, kind, and generous,” Metz said. “He’s a hard worker, always there to push his team to their fullest potential on and off the field.”