The Virginia State Trojans have been a solid program in the CIAA. The only problem is reigning three-time conference Bowie State has been unbeatable the past three seasons. But during that same timespan, Adams has been the best defensive back in the conference.
Blessed with a 6-foot-1,190-pound frame, long arms and great speed, Adams is a special talent. One who should hear his name called this coming weekend during the NFL draft. In a league that chucks the pigskin around weekly, a player like Adams is a necessity.
The talented defender can play the field, boundary and slot corner. He’s also shown the ability to play safety. That just shows his complete versatility, which is something teams crave when drafting.
Tables are updated and it's officially #RASseason!
Our first of the year is Virginia State CB Will Adams, who also posted our first elite #RAS of the season (unofficially, with projected splits). pic.twitter.com/XwZN0sw7ny
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) January 31, 2022
Adams showed out at the HBCU Combine in January to the point where he had all scouts in attendance chattering about him. With a 10-foot-3 broad jump, 40.5- inch vertical, 21 bench press reps and a sub. 4.5 40-yard dash, he has all the physical attributes NFL teams crave.
Jim Nagy, who runs the combine and Reese’s Senior Bowl, had this to say about Adams performance:
“He stole the show. He’s looked good at every drill and in the workouts. Every scout is talking about him.”
Former NFL defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who played at Tennessee State before embarking on a very solid 11-year NFL career, had high praise for Adams as well.
Virginia State Safety Will Adams tested off of the charts in all agility and explosive drills. Biggest defensive back that worked out today. Transitioned well in and out of breaks. Thought he had a really good workout. #HBCUCombine pic.twitter.com/hCa7Bgp40b
— Eric Crocker 🥷🏾 (@Crocky209) January 29, 2022
He didn’t stop the superlatives there.
“That man has some juice. He’s explosive. That was smooth. Exactly how you want to see a DB get out of breaks.”
Adams Is A Chess Piece That Can Help A Defense Right Away
Because of his elite versatility, Adams may be able to help a team in the secondary right away. He’s also a stalwart on special teams who loves to mix it up as he does in run support. His testing numbers, along with solid game film and his physical downhill nature, are a welcome sight that will be hard to overlook for teams looking for an enforcer in the secondary who can also cover.
While Adams didn’t have a lot of interceptions in his four seasons in Petersburg, Virginia, that can be attributed to the teams he faced being run-heavy. When they did throw it definitely wasn’t in his direction. The rangy Adams’ best strength is his tackling in space and ability to play against bigger tight ends.
“It would be a dream come true… I’ve always dreamed of being in the NFL.”
Virginia State’s Will Adams on following in Darius Leonard’s HBCU footsteps and make his mark in the @NFL.@VSUsports | @AndrewSiciliano | @dsleon45 pic.twitter.com/LcnibNnJt3
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 4, 2022
He joins Joshua Williams of Fayetteville State as two D-II products from the CIAA who expect to hear their name called by weekend’s end. That would be a banner moment for one of the oldest HBCU conferences around and bring much-needed exposure as well.
