By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

VERO BEACH - Getting the call as a starter is special for any college football player, but it would mean a lot more to Damien Edwards.

The senior offensive lineman has been on a rollercoaster ride since joining the Bulls in 2008. The Chandler, Ariz., native redshirted in 2008, playing in a total of 12 games in his USF career. Edwards started out as a tackle and was eager to compete for a starting role when Jacob Sims finished off his USF run in 2010, but it wasn't meant to be.

"I wanted to step up and be that guy, and they kind of asked me to do the guard role," Edwards said. "You just have to bite it and I took my role with an open mind."

Edwards is by no means a selfish guy and embraced what he called a "utility" role the past three years. He appeared in five games last season, spelling starters on the line and helping out on special teams while adjusting to the guard position.

"Damien has been through a lot since his freshman year. He was at the bottom. He went to the top and went right back to the bottom," senior guard Danous Estenor said. "He's endured a lot through these five years at USF and he's really impressed me because he never gave up and quit. He never complained, just always brings his hard hat and comes ready to work."

Edwards impressed coaches in the spring and his performance earned him a starting spot on the depth chart at left guard.

"I definitely can say that I had to be patient," he said. "There were highs and lows, but as far as coming into this role finally, it's been a long time coming for me."

Edwards knows he is the frontrunner for the starting job in fall camp, but he is well aware that it doesn't mean things are set in stone. USF welcomed Lawrence Martin, a JUCO signee out of Merced College, to the team in January and the team has plenty of other linemen grinding under the hot sun every day in camp.

"I think the light has come on for Damien about being a fifth-year senior and wanting to be a player," offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler said. "He's in a battle to play, but as a fifth-year senior we're hoping he's the guy."

Being comfortable and confident at guard has helped Edwards during the camp battle. The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder goes up against a ton of talented defensive linemen every day and has used a tough mindset to keep pushing forward.

"A guard's mentality is almost like a bulldog's mentality," he said. "You don't back up and you don't give anything. You have to stay there and be solid."

Edwards also has sharpened up the mechanics needed to be a successful guard. The casual football fan might think moving from one spot to another on the line is easy, but talk to linemen and you'll come to find that it's far from child's play.

"He's better fundamentally than he's been. He's still not quite where I want him, but he is much better," Shankweiler said. "He's embraced the role of wanting to be a football player and finishing out strong. When you have that going for you, you have a chance to have a good year."

USF has about three more weeks of training before it hosts UT-Chattanooga in the season opener. Edwards continues to work hard and sported a big smile when reporters asked about the thought of being "The Guy" when the Bulls take the field on Sept. 1 at Raymond James Stadium.

"It is my last go-round, so it's that much more important to me," he said.

Note-A-Bull

Damien Edwards comes from a very athletic family. His father, Earl, played 11 seasons as a defensive lineman in the NFL for the 49ers, Bills, Browns and Packers. His brother, Gavin, was a 6-foot-9 forward at Connecticut.