Edwards fulfills dream with Brevard College signing

When J.D. Edwards came to Polk County prior to his sophomore season, one of the first friends he made was Wolverine baseball teammate Mark Mazzilli.

Edwards will soon have the opportunity to once again share a dugout with Mazzilli.

The Wolverine senior is bound for Brevard College, committing to play baseball for the Tornados beginning next season. Polk County held a signing ceremony Thursday for Edwards in the school library.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Edwards said. “It’s always been a dream and a goal of mine. I love the game.”

Mazzilli, a 2015 graduate, is finishing up his first season at Brevard.

Edwards has filled a number of roles throughout his career for Polk County, playing in the infield and outfield and pitching. Edwards said Brevard coaches have told him to expect to fill a similar utility role in his early days with the program, and Polk head coach Ty Stott expects the same.

“He’s played some infield for us and played some outfield. I think his best chance there is in the outfield,” Stott said. “Having a friend and teammate there in Mark Mazzilli helps. It gives him a good start.

“The opportunity is there, and some kids don’t have that opportunity. Hopefully, he’ll take advantage of it.”

Edwards has been one of Polk’s offensive leaders all season, and he said being one of the team’s seniors has played a key role in that.

“I’m glad it was time for me to step up and be a leader,” Edwards said. “When I stepped up to lead, it stepped up my game. The responsibility factor helped me settle down.

“The wins and losses don’t really show it, but the leadership on this team has been a lot better than it has been in recent years.”

“He’s a leader,” Stott said. “Leaders are hard to come by these days because kids are not comfortable being leaders or they just don’t want to do it.

“He put forth the effort to be a leader as good as anyone I’ve ever had. He loves playing baseball and wants to keep playing. A lot of people would like to trade places with him, having these four years ahead of him.”

Edwards said he talked to other schools, but in the end, Brevard offered everything he was looking for in terms of campus and program.

“I visited the campus and really liked it,” he said. “I love the way the campus looks. It’s an old-fashioned school, and I like that.

“I like being able to get away from home, but I know that if I need anything, I’m still close enough, just a few exits up the road.”