Interview: 2019 Arkansas ATH Devon Adams Showcased Pure Speed and Athleticism During Junior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Any game reel for high school football players is great, but some angles do not fully capture the magic or ability of a player on the field. A straightaway view provides great access to the viewer on how a play develops but does not do justice to athletes like Devon Adams. Adams was a play-making wizard for Pocahontas High School during the 2017 season flashing his 4.39 speed and athleticism all over the field, even if the camera did not quite capture his brilliance.

Executing a RPO-Spread attack, when the ball is in Adams’ hands he looks like a Michael Vick clone, especially running the ball. The lefty is quick-on-quick covering 1,484 yards off 201 carries with 25 rushing scores during his breakout junior season. In the pocket, he threw for 1,948 yards with 11 touchdowns helping lead his squad to the playoffs.

At 5-10, 160 pounds, Adams’ future at the collegiate level may not be as a field general, but it is sure fun to watch him dissect opposing defenses at quarterback. Based on his athletic play, one could easily see him playing at any skill position and doing it well at the next level. Doubling on the Redskins roster in the secondary, where he had 18 tackles and a pick last season, further helps lead one to that conclusion.

College coaches are just starting to find out about Adams’ elite talents with Southern Miss and the University of Arkansas being among the first to take notice. After an offseason of 7v7 ball along with camps and combines, expect Adams to be a fast riser up recruiting boards in the coming weeks and months.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar talent learning more about his junior campaign and his strategies to push his game forward in the offseason.

Interview

Devon, you had a breakout season in 2017 compiling stats as a true dual-threat. What was the difference for you from your sophomore to junior year that allowed you to be so productive?

“My sophomore year, that was my first playing time at the varsity level. I gained more confidence as the season went along and just went out and played. Because I play on both sides of the ball, I know what the defense is going to do. I try to use my abilities to succeed.”

I’m guessing you’ve heard the name Michael Vick in comparison with your game a time or two.

“Yes, sir.”

Have you gone back to watch his highlight or game reels?

“I did watch his highlights before our first playoff game.”

Do you see yourself having a similar kind of game with Vick?

“Yes, sir. I do. I know when to throw it and when to run it. He is fast, and I am fast.”

Where all on the field did you line up last season?

“I lined up at corner, some safety, receiver, running back and quarterback.”

Of all the positions, which is your favorite position?

“My favorite is receiver.”

What do you see are the overall strengths of your game as a quarterback?

“Our offense is a read-option offense. I read the ends well and make plays.”

What was the playoff run like for you in 2017?

“We came together after our end of regular season game. We had a team meeting. Our first playoff game against Dumas (won 55-16) was our best of the season. We were all together. We lost in the second round (vs. Ashdown). We were out played in the second round.”

How did you step your game up during the playoffs?

“I had a talk with one of my coaches before the playoffs. He told me to be more selfish with the ball and run the ball more. That helped me.”

Which game was the most challenging for you during your junior year?

“I’d say our game against Gosnell (lost 26-19). They were a tough opponent. They showed me that I have to work even harder to succeed.”

Which game was your best, and why do you consider that your best?

“I think the first playoff game against Dumas was my best. I only played the first half. I had three touchdowns and over 100 yards rushing. Everything was falling into place in that game.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I want to get bigger and stronger. I’m trying to put on weight. I am also working on my speed. I am playing basketball this year, that helps my speed a lot.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring and summer?

“Yes, sir. I am playing for Fast Arkansas.”

How is 7v7 ball helping push your game forward?

“It puts me up against the best players in the state. It is helping me learn more techniques. The coaches are really helpful.”

Which position are you playing with Fast Arkansas?

“I am practicing with the receivers.”

Are you going to any camps or combines this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I’m not sure which ones yet. I think I am going to the Adidas Three-Stripe and to an Under Armour Combine.”

What are your goals at the camps?

“I want everyone to know about my speed and how good my hands are. I want to show out.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“I ran a 4.39 at an Arkansas camp last year.”

Are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“I went to a Junior Day event at Southern Miss on Saturday and I am going to an Arkansas Junior Day event coming up.”

How did the Southern Miss visit go?

“It was good. I liked it a lot. I liked the coaches.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“My GPA is a 3.5.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, sir. I am taking the ACT next Saturday.”

You mentioned playing basketball earlier, are you playing any other sports for Pocahontas?

“Basketball and track.”

Which events in track?

“The long jump, triple jump, 100, 4×1, and maybe 200.”

Wow. That is a lot. How is basketball going?

“It is going pretty good. We just came off a loss, but we have another game on Tuesday. We should bounce back in that one.”

Last question for you. National Signing Day is coming up. You are one year away from going through the same process, what will you look at on Wednesday? How will you evaluate how the day plays out?

“I don’t know yet. I will sit back and watch how everything goes.”

Devon, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see Devon Adams’ 2017 Hudl reel

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Photo credit: Bridgette Rose; Devon Adams in action

Photo credit: Adams family; Devon Adams at Southern Miss (Feb. 2018)