Edwards Says Arizona Has Called Audible on Suspension : College football: Defensive back will stay at Valley after he claims the Pac-10 school changed its decision on when he could return.

All-state defensive back Sam Edwards of Valley College said Wednesday that the University of Arizona has reversed its field and will not permit him to return to the school after serving one year of his two-year suspension for on-campus fighting.

Edwards said that he was told last year by Rosalind Andreas, Arizona dean of students, that he would be eligible to return to the school in the fall. Andreas, however, is no longer in that position and the administration now is adamant about Edwards finishing his suspension. As a result, Edwards said he will attend Valley again in the fall.

Edwards, who redshirted his freshman season at Arizona, was suspended last March along with two teammates after they were charged with misdemeanor assault for on-campus fights.

Cecil Taylor, Arizona’s associate dean of students who drew up Edwards’ suspension papers, said Wednesday that he knew of no verbal agreement reducing the penalty.

“I never heard of (any agreement),” Taylor said. “The penalty was for two years and we always expected (Edwards) and the others to serve it. It’s as simple as that.”

Edwards will face the misdemeanor charges next month in Tucson.

An All-City Section player at Reseda High, Edwards was selected as the Western State Conference defensive Player of the Year after leading the WSC with eight interceptions.

Although he said he was shocked and disappointed by Arizona’s decision, Edwards is trying to put it behind him.

“I’m just going through another phase,” said Edwards, who chose Arizona over USC and Colorado in 1988. “Things will be totally different this time around. . . . I’ll definitely be looking at other schools next year.”

Edwards, however, did not rule out returning to Arizona.

Not surprisingly, Valley Coach Chuck Ferrero said he was ecstatic that Edwards was returning and that he believes things might work out best for the 6-foot-3, 198-pound athlete.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be an NFL guy someday,” Ferrero said.