Clemson Football: Six Mystery Freshmen

Keith Adams Jr.

Clemson had several legacy recruits in the 2022 cycle. Veteran fans know the name Keith Adams. He was a dominant linebacker for the Tigers in the late 1990’s. Two-time first-team All-American in 1999 & 2000. ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1999, the runner-up in 2000. A finalist for Butkus & Bednarik Awards. He is one of the most decorated defensive players in school history.

Keith Adams Jr. could not possibly live up to his father’s reputation….because he plays running back.

As one of those veteran Clemson fans, I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around someone named Keith Adams playing offense. I guess the younger fans are luckier in this case.

Like Dudley, Adams was signed during the traditional signing period in February, and thus was not able to enroll early. The Tigers have three running backs with a year of experience under their belts: Will Shipley, Kobe Pace & Phil Mafah. If fortune smiles on the Tigers and they avoid major injuries, those three will carry the bulk of the load in 2022.

If injuries occur and any of the top three backs miss time, that meant Adams would need to be ready in case his number was called. Due to that potential need, it was 50-50 whether Adams would play more than four games this season.

With the emergence of former walk-on running back Dominique Thomas (AKA Quadzilla), who is likely going to be fourth in line on the depth chart, I am leaning strongly towards Adams redshirting in 2022, but it is hardly written in stone.