Former Illinois defensive lineman TeRah Edwards signed with the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday following the conclusion of the NFL Draft.
The tackle earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention this past season, in which he recorded 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Edwards had his best game in Illinois’ loss against the then-No. 1 Oregon Ducks. Edwards recorded a career-high eight tackles, three of which were unaided.
He also turned in a strong performance in Illinois’ victory over Michigan. In addition to four tackles, he logged a career-high two sacks against the Wolverines.
Edwards began his collegiate career at Northwestern before transferring to Illinois in 2022. The nose tackle played in every game of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons.
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With this signing, Illinois has now seen a nose tackle sign as a UDFA in four straight years.
Denzel Daxon signed with the Dallas Cowboys last season, while Calvin Avery inked a deal with the Minnesota Vikings the year prior.
Roderick Perry II signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Perry is the only one of the trio to see game-action.
Edwards is the first Illini to earn a UDFA contract this season, but is unlikely to be the last. Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, edge rusher Seth Coleman, defensive tackle Dennis Briggs Jr. and linebacker Ryan Meed are among the Illini who could still ink deals.
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