Interview: 4-Star 2020 Washington RB Sam Adams Covers Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There may not be a high school football team more excited about cutting loose one of their stud talents in 2018 than Eastside Catholic. During the 2017 season, running back/athlete Sam Adams did not get to fully turn it his game on, but will be full-tilt when the lights turn on for the Crusaders season opener, a road game to the Los Angeles area to take on Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) on Sept. 1. The fans of Crusaders football are not the only group interested to see how Adams plays during his junior season.
As a potential third-generation NFL legacy, the bloodlines in the Adams family is strong. Game footage, production on the field, size (6-2, 200), and speed (4.4) has mixed to entice college football programs to start extending offers. So far, six scholarships have been set on the table for Adams from Cal, Arizona, Boise State, Oregon State, Washington State, and Colorado.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized Q&A interview, I sat down with one of the more exciting Class of 2020 players to watch in 2018 ahead of his big season to learn more about his game, offseason workouts, and recruiting prospects.
Interview
The Crusaders offensive staff did a great job of getting you the ball in a myriad of ways. You lined up at tailback, slot, and played some as a Wildcat quarterback. Of all the positions where you lined up, which is the most exciting for you?
“The most exciting for me is running back. That is what I have played growing up. As I have developed, my coaches saw that I can do more than just be a pure runner.”
Given the opportunities you had as a runner and as a receiver in 2017, how did your overall game improve?
“As a running back, my skillset was there. But, as a receiver, my routes and hands improved a lot last year. In today’s game, colleges like versatile running backs who can catch, block, and run.”
You obviously have a lot of speed to your game, how fast are you?
“My best 40-yard dash is a high 4.4.”
Nice. Do you also compete in track?
“Yes, sir. I competed in the 100 and 4×1.”
Did you PR in the 100 this year?
“This year was my first year running track. My best 100 time was an 11.2, I am working to get to a 10.9.”
What all have you been working on this offseason with your game?
“This offseason, I’ve been working on catching the ball coming out of the flats and getting bigger, stronger, and faster.”
Based off spring and summer practices, where all will you line up on the field during your junior year?
“My main spot is at running back, but I will also play some at slot and at corner when needed.”
Are you excited about playing corner this year?
“Yes, sir. I really am. A couple of years back I played corner. I had focused on running back the last couple of year, but now they are going to try to use me as much as they can.”
With all the work put into your game, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your skillset this offseason?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements at receiver. With my catching and route running, I am seeing a lot of improvement there.”
Did any college coaches come by Eastside to watch you practice or to meet with you in-person this spring?
“Yes, sir. UDUB (Washington) and Oregon were the two primary schools to come by this offseason.”
Did you go to any camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. We went to Boise State for a team camp and I went to a UDUB camp, and earlier this offseason I went to the Nike Opening Regional in San Francisco.”
How did the UDUB camp go?
“That went really well. I impressed myself.”
How did you impress yourself at that camp?
“That was my first showcase in a while. I felt like I was moving well, I showed off my hands… I just did well overall.”
You have six offers, which other schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?
“The main schools showing interest right now are UDUB, Oregon, and Texas A&M.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I took one to USC, UCLA, Oregon State, Oregon, and UDUB.”
How did the Oregon visit go?
“That was a really good visit. I have been there a couple of times. I love it there. The facilities and coaching staff are amazing there.”
What about UDUB, how did that go?
“That was great too. UDUB is my home. When I go to games there, I get to see the facilities and see the coaches. I feel at home there.”
Back to football. When on the gridiron, what motivates you?
“I think about my grandfather and my dad. My dad and grandfather played in the NFL. That is a legacy I am trying to continue.”
Are you a talker on the field, or do you let your play do the talking?
“I let my play do the talking. I am not about smack talking, that only leads to bad things.”
Is there one play on your highlight reel from last season that best showcases your overall athletic abilities?
“To be honest, probably not. I have a few on my spring ball that show what I can do on the field.”
What goals have you set for your junior season?
“That’s a tough one. I have not fully set my goals yet. The goal is always to stay healthy and do what I do. At corner, I will not play a lot there, but I want two picks. At running back, I want 1,500 yards.”
Sam, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Adams family; Sam Adams and teammates at a Boise State camp