2009 Spartan Nation Football Profile: CB Johnny Adams #5

2009 Spartan Nation Football Profile: CB Johnny Adams #5 Height: 5’11” Weight: 167 2009 Eligibility: Sophomore EXP: 1 Letter Status: Backup CBÂ

2009 Spartan Nation Football Profile:Â CB Johnny Adams #5

Height: 5’11”

Weight:Â 167

2009 Eligibility:Â Sophomore

EXP:Â 1 Letter

Status: Backup CB 

 

Strengths: Adams had an excellent freshman campaign. He was able to get a lot of reps with injuries and he didn’t disappoint. He did a good job of making the most of his opportunities and considering that he was a freshman, he did a good job.

 

Here is an example of his strengths. During the Wisconsin game in the second quarter, the Badgers were on the MSU 46. Johnny was lined up far left in man on man coverage. The WR wanted to go to the outside forcing Adams to turn his back to the QB and the offensive backfield. He was able to force the WR to go inside allowing Adams to keep the WR between him and the offensive backfield. That may not seem like much, but by that slight move and forcing the adjustment by the WR, Adams kept his head up watching the backfield and thus not allowing the WR to go upfield and him having to turn his back. The play was a run play that the Badgers planned on him being downfield and not seeing the play coming at him. The play was designed to clear out the CB and allow the RB to get into space. It is a good play and one that is not usually well defended at any level. He ducked under the WR when the RB got the ball and made a textbook technique tackle.

 

That one play showed the football intelligence and the ball skills to play in this system. I realize that I may be nuts in that I got so excited about seeing a CB force a WR off of his route and having the heads up to make a great play, but if that is truly a harbinger of what is to come with Adams I declare look out. That play was a rarity and it is one you only see from elite corners. He did it as a freshman.

 

Weakness: Against Notre Dame, the Irish had a third and 11 at the MSU 26. The Irish went to a fade route at the front corner of the endzone. The Irish scored when the bigger ND WR 6’3” out jumped the small Adams. His weakness is his height and size. CLR is 6’2” and right at 200 pounds. Ross Weaver is 6’1” and OVER 200 pounds. Adams is 5’11” (that is generous) and 167#. When going against the bigger WRs he will struggle simply because of size. He can get heavier with muscle, but you can’t teach height. Adams is a great player, but his size is his biggest weakness.

 

Final Analysis: Adams has the heart, passion and skill to play this game. He will struggle against bigger guys in fade routes, but he will have to simply get better. He can’t afford ANY technique mistakes because of the size differential.

 

We all know of players who are smaller in stature that have great careers. He shows the football IQ and ability to overcome that, we just have to remind ourselves how young he really is. Something that is easy to forget when you watch him make great plays.