money Keith Adams Jr. follows in father's footsteps, signs with Clemson on National Signing Day
Pine View star running back Keith Adams Jr. signed his National Letter of Intent with Clemson on Wednesday, National Signing Day, following in his father's legacy footsteps.
This past season at Pine View, Adams Jr. rushed for 1,376 yards and 20 touchdowns on 219 carries. The All-State 4A First Teamer also added 36 receptions and 309 yards with a touchdown through the air.
Adams' 1,376 yards ranked tenth in the state, while his 20 rushing touchdowns tied for fifth.
His ability to produce in the run and pass game is just part of why Pine View head coach Ray Hosner envisions a bright future for Adams Jr.
"He'll be at a whole new level," Hosner said. He played in Georgia with the backup running back at Clemson now so he's going to in a fight hard and whatever happens, happens. He does all three things a back has to do."
Honser also gave glowing reviews of Adams Jr. off the field.
"He just made everyone love a little bit more," Hosner said. "That was his biggest thing. He's just such a great kid. Everything I said is the truth. You've never heard him say one negative thing. ... He always took responsibility no matter what."
Adams Jr. posted 252 yards and four touchdowns on just 18 carries against Cedar City on Sep. 17. He racked up four more scores on the ground against Snow Canyon on Oct. 8.
Pine View went 7-5 (2-4) and went to the 4A semi-finals before losing to Dixie. Pine View upset top-seeded Desert Hills in the quarterfinals.
Adams Jr., rated a three-star recruit by Rivals, also considered Marshall, Air Force, and University of Southern Florida prior to choosing Clemson on Wednesday.
There it is. Running back Keith Adams Jr. to Clemson. Chooses the Tigers over Air Force, Marshall, and USF. pic.twitter.com/Vz0W8WpRZJ
— Sean Ellertson (@SeanEllertson) February 2, 2022
"I just know I'm going to have a lot of fun there, make a lot of memories, and win a lot of games," Adams Jr. said.
Adams Jr. joined the Pine View program after spending three seasons at Cherokee High School (Canton, Ga.).
"I guess they're just going to use me however they can," Adams Jr. said. "Coach (Dabo) Swinney, that's my guy. I grew up watching him and I've known him since I was pretty little. It's awesome to have him be my head coach, I'm really excited about that."
Adams Jr. joins twins Dominique and Marcus McKenzie as legacies to sign on with D-1 programs out of Pine View this year.
"It's awesome," Adams. Jr said. "It feels great to be a part of that and be a part of the history of the school. It's exciting and I'm onto the next chapter and I'm ready to do big things."
Elder Adams a Clemson Hall of Famer; grandfather played for Patriots
The elder Adams was a two-time All-ACC linebacker at Clemson and was a Second Team All-American in 1999 and a First Team All-American in 2000. Adams was also named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1999.
"My dad put so much effort into me," said Adams Jr. "He's part of the reason why I'm actually good at football because I wasn't really good at football when I was younger until I started training really hard with him. Training with him has made me a better player and has taught me a lot of things. He's a lot of the reason why I'm here now."
Adams Sr. was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 2011.
"I know at first maybe he was hesitant to follow in his dad's footsteps," said Hosner. "But then he embraced it and he's like 'I'm going to go to the best university in the country and go play football.'"
Adams Jr.'s grandfather, Julius, played 15 years for the New England Patriots in the NFL.
Sean Ellertson is a sports reporter for the St. George Spectrum & Daily News. To continue to support his work, please subscribe to The Spectrum. Follow Sean on Twitter @SeanEllertson.
This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Clemson football: Adams follows father's footsteps, signs with Tigers
