Monday’s signing was the culmination of a long, and sometimes frustrating, recruiting experience for Edward, who won the 1A long jump state championship and finished third in the triple jump last year as a junior. As a sophomore he finished second at state in the triple jump.

Edward’s success though, did not translate into college offers. Oh there was interest–Iowa, Central Michigan, Eastern Illinois to name a few–but offers were scarce.

At 5’7″ and 130 pounds, Edward knew his size was working against him. While those numbers created questions, “Sani” as his coaches and teammates call him, let his performances provide the answers.

Edward was poised for a big senior season and another opportunity to show college coaches what he could do. But enter COVID-19, and just like that, that senior season was gone.

SIU Director of Track and Field Rosalind Joseph had kept an eye on Edward, eventually meeting with Dasani and his mom in Du Quoin head coach Derek Beard’s office. Finally an offer came leading to Monday’s signing.

Edward plans to go into Special Education, with designs on being a teacher and coach some day.