JOSH ADAMS
Warrington, PA
Measurables: 6'2", 210
Accolades: All-USA Pennsylvania offensive player of the year, All-State 4A, All-Southeastern Pennsylvania (second team), 4-star prospect per 247 Composition.
Impressive Offers: Penn State, Stanford, Boston College, Pitt, Rutgers
Projected Position: Running back
Quick Take: Notre Dame was in on Adams early, committing to the lanky running back even after an ACL injury ended his junior season. That Adams came back with a vengeance wasn’t necessarily a surprise to the Irish staff, who monitored his rehab process carefully and is taking the long view on the somewhat under-the-radar speedster.
Usually a 1,623 yard senior season with 25 touchdowns would be enough to get fans excited about the big-play potential of a running back. But Adams won’t likely be all the way back from the injury until next season, where he’ll be part of a depth chart that could be looking for a designated home run hitter for their No. 3 running back.
What he means to the Irish: A critical early piece to the 2015 recruiting class and a great early gamble that panned out. With Adams locked in as the “sure thing” of the recruiting class, the Irish staff spent its time chasing national prospects like Soso Jamabo and Dexter Williams.
It’s hard to look at Adams and not see a back like George Atkinson. But any of the negatives that came with Atkinson’s inconsistencies both on and off the field don’t exist with Adams. Adam’s long stride and ability to eat yards by the bushel is certainly something that will be welcome in South Bend. .
Obligatory YouTube clip: Here’s some senior highlights of Adams making big plays to funky EDM beat.
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