With a background as an offensive coordinator, Stan Parrish notices his team's defenders most when they cause havoc to his unit.
Parrish couldn't help but be impressed by defensive end Robert Eddins this offseason. After the Spring Game, Parrish said the offensive line couldn't block him. That tune hasn't changed much this fall.
"I'd be shocked if Robert Eddins doesn't jump on things and become a star for us," he said. "He's been that good this spring and he's been that good this fall."
The junior played in all 14 games last year, starting 10 of them. He finished second on the team with four sacks and made 45 tackles.
Eddins said he's flattered by Parrish's high expectations, but also felt the pressure.
"It's a bittersweet thing," he said. "If I don't I feel like I might be letting a lot of people down. I'll just go out and give it my all and try not to worry about it."
Eddins should be helped this season by the switch to new defensive coordinator Doug Graber's 4-3 defensive alignment. With an extra defensive lineman in the new system, it will be harder for offenses to double-team anyone.
Eddins said the 4-3 is what he played in high school, so the transition back was welcome.
"Three down lineman, that's a man's work," he said. "I feel like this is a little bit easier. You have a lot more help and a lot more one-on-one situations."
With nine returning starters on defense, the unit is expected to take on a larger role this year. Eddins said he worked harder this offseason, but wasn't sure why Parrish singled him out to be the breakout player on defense with so many players coming back.
"I respect coach P's decisions a lot," Eddins said. "That coming from him is a great thing. I just hope I can be as good as he says I am and produce the way he says I can."
Eddins will get his first opportunity to show off his talent on Thursday against the University of North Texas. He said he expects a battle from their offensive line.
"I know I've got a rough game against me," Eddins said. "[Esteban Santiago], he's a great offensive tackle. It's a great opponent to test out if I'm as good as coach P said I am."
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