NEW COMMIT: Columbia, S.C. native Tanner Edwards has verbally committed to Brigham Young University and will join Tanner Nelson in Provo at the start of the 2021-22 season.
He will be reunited with his brother, Emerson Edwards, who will also swim for the Cougars. Their father, Heath Edwards, was a 12-time All-American at Georgia.
Edwards had a creative approach to announcing his verbal commitment via Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1vaZeplWq/
A U.S. Open qualifier, Edwards does his club swimming with Palmetto Aquatics and won the 100 back at South Carolina Seniors after earning three best times at Juniors East. Last summer, he finaled in three events at South Carolina LCM Seniors before going on to grab bronze in the 50m free at Southern Zones. He also owns the South Carolina Swimming LSC record for the 15-16 age group in the 100 back.
His best times include:
- 50 back – 23.28
- 100 back – 49.71
- 200 back – 1:54.10
- 100 fly – 50.30
- 50 free – 21.54
- 100 free – 47.05
Also competing for AC Flora High School, Edwards is a six-time South Carolina 4A State Championship finalist. He won the 100 fly and 100 back as a junior while taking fourth and first, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.
Last year, Edwards set the Class 4A record in the 100 fly and 100 back. The 2019-20 South Carolina Swimmer of the Year also finished fifth in both events in his rookie campaign.
He told Swimming World:
“BYU has an incredible academic reputation. I absolutely believe in and trust what Coach John Brooks and Dee Loose are doing at BYU. I love the environment at BYU.”
Edwards, who chose BYU over Georgia, Georgia Tech, and LSU, will add valuable depth both individually and on relays when he arrives on campus in the fall of 2021. He would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 back and 200 back at the 2020 MPSF Championships where Brigham Young finished second overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
