Bryan Edwards was positioned to potentially be one of the biggest risers of the pre-draft process leading to the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas but the former standout Gamecock receiver just suffered a setback preparing for the selection process.

Following the conclusion of his outstanding Gamecock career, which was unfortunately cut short due to injury, Edwards was back to 100 percent and working hard to impress at the upcoming NFL combine. Instead, Edwards will be forced to sit it out as he rehabs from a broken foot.

“Unfortunately, I broke my foot preparing for the combine and will need a couple months to recover,” Edwards revealed on Friday. “This has been extremely disappointing for me. Just because how diligent I worked to get back to 100%. But that’s life, I’m no stranger to adversity or hard work. I did not write this for attention, I just wanted to have something to look back on when I catch those dreams I been chasing since a youngin!!!!”

During his four years on the field in Columbia, Edwards caught 234 passes for 3,045 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also returned 19 kicks for 220 yards and had developed as South Carolina’s best blocking receiver and a team leader.

Edwards suffered a knee injury late in the season that eventually ended his collegiate career. While the injury forced him to miss the conclusion of the season,  it was not deemed a long-term issue.

The upcoming draft is set to be a deep class for receivers with Edwards among the first players projected to be selected at the position. This news is likely going to send him down the draft boards slightly but if he can rebound in time for the draft, there’s no doubt Edwards could still be a top pick in the draft.

After all, former Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons tore his ACL at this time last year and still managed to be selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. If you can play, NFL teams will overlook an injury that a special player can rebound from in the short term.

The 2020 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23 and ends Saturday, April 25.