By Joanna Chadwick

Soon after Derby running back Dylan Edwards announced his oral commitment to play football at Kansas State, he returned to Twitter to recruit more Wildcats.

“Basically right after I committed, I was ready for the next step,” Edwards said. “It wasn’t down time.

“I want to become a leader in this class. I want more for this university and team. I want to become a big powerhouse in the Big 12.”

Edwards encourages Kansas State fans to show love to recruits who he tags. He usually includes a photo of the athlete from their visit to K-State.

Maize quarterback Avery Johnson is announcing his commitment on July 5. The two are longtime friends, so the idea of playing together is understandable.

“But that’s not me recruiting him,” Edwards said. “It’s, ‘hey, bro. We’re friends, go with me to K-State.”

Derby defensive end Samuel Same was the subject of one of Edwards’ recent tweets, but Same committed to Iowa State.

Edwards wasn’t surprised.

“I think they came late. Iowa State was his first offer,” Edwards said.

Regardless of where Edwards’ targets commit, he’s having fun.

“I’m on Twitter all the time,” he said. “I’ll look at people’s film, and if I like them, I’ll send their film to my coach.

“But I’ve met most of these guys at camps or been on visits with them. It’s easy to send them texts to play with me at K-State.

“… I want the fan base to get around the recruits. If they feel the love, they will commit, they will want to visit.”