Edwards finds way back for Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - It took six games for Larry Edwards to finally catch up.<br> <br> The linebacker had given a boost to North Carolina&#39;s sagging defense as a freshman, but he had spent most of this season trying to climb back up the depth chart after fighting his weight and injury in the preseason.<br> <br> After a triumphant return to the starting lineup against North Carolina State, Edwards says he plans on staying there a long time. And with the suspension of leading tackler Fred Sparkman one of three Tar Heels cited for marijuana possession Edwards&#39; role could be even bigger Saturday against No. 11 Utah.<br> <br> ``I&#39;m ready to make any sacrifice I can to help this team win ballgames,&#39;&#39; Edwards said.<br> <br> Edwards had several big plays in the 30-24 win against the Wolfpack, including the return of an interception 54 yards to set up a North Carolina touchdown in the second half. He also had eight tackles and a fumble recovery.<br> <br> The performance against the Wolfpack was arguably the biggest moment in Edwards&#39; short career, earning him defensive back of the week honors from the Atlantic Coast Conference. It was a long time coming.<br> <br> Coming into the season, many expected Edwards to play a key role for a defense trying to rebuild after ranking among the nation&#39;s worst in 2003. He finished third on the team with 89 tackles, and had at least 10 tackles in six of his eight starts.<br> <br> But the preseason wasn&#39;t kind. Edwards said the coaching staff wanted him to add some weight, but he came in at nearly 250 pounds about 20 pounds heavier than his freshman season. He also pulled a groin muscle, a double-whammy that buried him on the roster.<br> <br> By the time the Tar Heels opened against William Mary, Edwards was a spot-duty reserve who didn&#39;t have a tackle against a Division I-AA opponent.<br> <br> ``Last year was a real good season for me and I just thought things would roll over into this season,&#39;&#39; Edwards said. ``Coming back in the offseason and having the troubles and problems I did, it was a very unexpected situation.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Despite Edwards&#39; struggles, coach John Bunting continued to say he wouldn&#39;t give up on Edwards. And the sophomore continued to work, doing more conditioning drills to slim down and regain some of the speed that had marked his game as a rookie.<br> <br> ``I think Larry did a good job of hanging in during those tough times, continuing to work hard which is what he said he would do,&#39;&#39; Bunting said. ``All of us on the defensive side only wanted to see him try to get back to his form of last year and go beyond.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Edwards said he&#39;s now back to about 230 pounds and feels like he moves much better. He certainly showed that on his long interception return against the Wolfpack.<br> <br> But, Bunting said, Edwards&#39; return this season has been about more than him making plays again. It was about his maturity through the sting of seeing his name drop on the depth chart after a successful start.<br> <br> ``I just hope that I don&#39;t have to have that feeling no more,&#39;&#39; Edwards said, ``so I&#39;m going to work my hardest to keep my spot.&#39;&#39;

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