A little over a month ago, we published a profile on Joey Adams — the recipient of our FBU scholarship for the adversity he overcame throughout his life. Despite losing his parents at a young age and struggling with minimalistic possessions, Adams used football as his ticket out, constantly putting in the work to achieve dreams of collegiate acceptance. Now post the FBU camp, we checked in on the Industrial junior to see how he’s doing.
“About a week after the camp, I was doing one-on-one drills,” Adams said. “I could tell immediately that the experience helped a lot. It was probably one of the best instructional and development programs I’ve ever been to. You really get a lot of work in. To be around all those NFL coaches… every kid has a dream to play in high school, college and the NFL. It was great for us to be around those guys and act like a sponge to absorb everything we could.”
Industrial are currently undergoing 7-on-7 spring practices that last until the summer. Despite hauling in zero catches for zero yards last season and spending most of his time competing with special teams, Adams has already been named starting receiver, play side corner and back-up quarterback for the upcoming year. Schematically on the offense, he will start on the outside, before moving into the slot position further down the field. Last season, without a consistent shot-caller, the team relied principally on a running game. Now, with a new sophomore quarterback and more developed offensive talent, the roster will focus on airing the ball out.
“The adversities I went through my entire life has helped me to become a better football player and team player,” Adams said. “I’m always putting the needs of the team before myself. I still have high expectations and goals to help the guys around me. Next season, I want to gain 1,000 yards and have 100 catches and never drop a ball thrown to me.”
Numerous colleges and football showcases have emailed Adams requesting visits; he is on the watchlist of several local JUCO and university programs.
“Next year is do or die for me. If I produce, I get a scholarship. If I don’t, then I won’t get a scholarship and I’ll probably have to go to the marines. I would prefer to play ball.”
“Every night before I go to bed, I think of game scenarios… what needs to be done, what I have to do for my team. I go through so many different game playing things in my head before I sleep. I just know that everything I’ve been through, there’s nothing from my past that’s going to be equal to the pressures of high school football. I’ll get through it.”
Besides perfecting his craft and staying eligible from an academic standpoint, Adams has his attention fixated on a local conflict: Industrial plays Edna this upcoming season, a rival they haven’t defeated in years.
“We haven’t beaten Edna since I was in the sixth grade,” Adams said. “We are definitely going to this year.”
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