Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Being a four-year starter in a college football program — backed by a long list of accolades — is an achievement that many young athletes dream of.
For Yelm High School graduate and Central Washington University graduate Slade Edwards, his dreams became a reality in Ellensburg. Following his graduation from YHS in 2021, Edwards would redshirt his inaugural season at CWU and never look back.
After sitting out of the 2021 season to learn the Wildcats’ offense, adjusting to the college lifestyle and becoming more physically prepared for collegiate athletics — Edwards would become a starter as a redshirt freshman in 2022 and go on to become one of the single greatest offensive linemen in CWU history.
His accolades include: honorable mention All-American (2023), 2nd team all Lone Star Conference (LSC) (2023), honorable mention All-American (2024), academic All-American (2024), LSC Offensive Lineman of the Year (2024), first team all-LSC (2024), first team American Football Coaches Association All-American (2025), and Gene Upshaw Award finalist (2025).
While Edwards appreciates the accolades he’s received throughout his college tenure, what he truly treasures most are the people who embraced the grind alongside him — his teammates and coaches.
“Maybe this is just me being humble, or something like that. I appreciate the recognition a lot and I’m thankful for anyone who has voted for me and believed in me. Awards are just awards, right? They’re only something I can brag about in the future to friends and family,” Edwards said. “In the end, I appreciate them, but honestly, I value the friendships and camaraderie I’ve had with my teammates and coaches. My whole experience at Central — I put that higher than any of the awards or accolades that I’ve gotten.”
He told the Nisqually Valley News on Monday, Nov. 5, that he loved his tenure at CWU and claimed that the Wildcats have the best coaching staff in the country.
“I loved all my coaches and appreciated them for everything. I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in the world — especially for D-II. I do think we’d beat out a lot of FBS coaches as well,” Edwards said. “I made a lot of lifetime friends here at Central. On top of that, I didn’t think I was going to ever become a four-year starter. I was a two-year starter for Yelm, so coming into college I wasn’t thinking that highly of myself. Becoming a four-year starter was exciting for me.”
Edwards noted that he “loved winning a lot of football games” with the Wildcats, but wishes he could’ve won even more contests and made an appearance in a Division-II National Championship game.
He noted that his favorite win at CWU came during the 2025 season when CWU defeated Western Oregon University (WOU) on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, to win the Lone Star Conference championship. The Wildcats scored a last-second touchdown to defeat the Wolves, 19-17.
“I feel like I’ve always been a second place guy — right there on the cusp of getting a ring or doing something great,” Edwards said. “Finally getting it in that final game was awesome. To have that moment, where everyone was counting us out — the opponents were celebrating on their sidelines because they thought they won. We started the drive on our own ten (yardline) and drove it all the way down and scored a last second touchdown. To finally get that ring during my senior season was pretty cool.”
Following his senior season at CWU, Edwards remains training as he pursues the next adventure in his football career — whether that’s in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) or elsewhere.
“Luckily I’ve got some mentors,” Edwards said, in reference to two of his former CWU teammates currently playing professionally in the CFL. “I’ve been talking to them and trying to figure out that process. It’s kind of difficult being a D-II guy. You don’t get the recognition you think you deserve — but I think I need to earn it. I’m looking forward to that challenge.”
Additionally, the former Tornado showed his love and support to coaches and teammates that have helped him become a better athlete, student and man throughout his time at CWU and YHS.
“I’d like to give a shoutout saying thank you to everyone who has followed my story and voted for me. I really appreciate it,” Edwards said. “I really appreciate all the support, and I want to say thank you to my friends and family and anyone else who got me here.”
