Hillside’s Sterling Edwards Blends Power, Production and Purpose into Senior Campaign
Sterling Edwards isn’t chasing stars. He’s chasing impact.
At 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, the Class of 2026 defensive lineman out of Durham Hillside has quietly built one of the most complete résumés in North Carolina. A two-year varsity starter heading into his senior season, Edwards has already racked up 111 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks in just 19 career games. That includes a breakout junior year that saw him total 70 tackles, 17.5 TFLs and eight sacks — and he still missed three games.
“I want to be remembered for how I played — not just where I went,” Edwards said. “That means dominating every snap and putting in the kind of work people don’t see.”
The work is real. So are the numbers. Edwards clocks a 4.97 40-yard dash, benches 315 pounds, squats 500 and has an 8’11” broad jump. With 9¾-inch hands and 31⅜-inch arms, his frame allows him to play anywhere across the line — from nose to edge — and still control the point of attack.
“I really play all over the line,” he said. “Wherever a coach needs me, I’m going to show up and do the job. That versatility is part of who I am.”
A big part of that versatility has been unlocked under the guidance of Coach Andre Purvis, a former North Carolina standout under Mack Brown who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1997. Purvis now trains defensive linemen at the Duke Sports Institute, where Edwards has been grinding through 5:30 a.m. workouts twice a week before school.
“Coach Purvis keeps me consistent,” Edwards said. “I’m in the gym early working on get-off, pass rush, weight training — all of it. It’s made a huge difference. I’ve got a long way to go, but I know I’ve come a long way too.”
Edwards also mentioned how training alongside high-level prospects like Isaiah Campbell (Clemson) and Gus Ritchey (NCSU) — not as teammates, but as fellow students under Purvis — sharpened his perspective.
“Being around guys like that lit a fire in me,” Edwards said. “Isaiah plays with a high motor — I watched his film and saw what it meant to finish every play. That’s what I’ve been trying to emulate.”
While the on-field performance speaks for itself, it’s Edwards’ mindset that rounds out his profile. He’s not just here to play football — he’s working to position himself for life beyond it.
Edwards holds a 3.85 GPA in Hillside’s rigorous International Baccalaureate program. He takes all honors and IB-level courses and has set his sights on majoring in mass communications — a career path that aligns with his interest in sports media.
“My mom stays on me about academics,” Edwards said with a laugh. “There’s no slacking in my house. I’m pushing to earn the full IB diploma.”
That academic commitment has already opened doors. Edwards holds offers from Yale, Georgetown, NC Central and Gardner-Webb, and he’s set to visit North Carolina A&T on April 11 for spring practice and April 12 for the Aggies’ spring game.
“Getting that Yale offer meant a lot,” he said. “It shows people I’m serious about my future, not just football. I want to be a sports analyst one day — something like this right here. Telling stories, breaking down the game. Football is my platform, but I’ve got a plan beyond the game too.”
Still, there’s plenty left for him to accomplish between the lines. After a strong junior campaign, Edwards isn’t satisfied. He’s aiming to break the 100-tackle mark this fall, top 10 sacks, and lead Hillside back into contention.
“I know I’m under-recruited,” he said. “But I’m not bitter. It’s motivation. I just want a program that values what I bring. I missed three games last year and still hit 70 tackles. I know what I can do when I’m healthy and locked in.”
He’s more locked in than ever.
“Football is what I love. But it’s also my vehicle. I’m not just doing this to play — I’m doing this to inspire, to show what’s possible when you stay disciplined.”
