Defensive tackle Brandon Adams was one of the latter members to join the Georgia Tech signing class, switching out of his commitment to Vanderbilt to Tech in late January. Adams comes to Tech from Nashville, Tenn., where he was named to the Division II-AA all-state team and was a three-star prospect (247 Sports) and the No. 53 defensive tackle in his class. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Adams is the biggest defensive lineman on the roster.
The first of a series previewing the Yellow Jackets' signing class.
Why he chose Georgia Tech:
Adams, from Nashville, had been committed to Vanderbilt. However, he said, “I just sort of blended with (Tech coaches), better with the players, and it just really felt like home.”
What he’s most excited about:
“Short term, probably the trip to Ireland, but more so, I’m excited to see how I transition, how I fit and, of course, the opportunity to meet new people and make connections and start building bridges.”
What he did to prepare for Tech:
Adams lifted weights and did conditioning drills, “trying to build up endurance and trying to have a longer top-end speed.”
Adams threw the discus for the Brentwood track team in the spring, finishing fifth in the state and helping the Eagles to the Division II state championship. Among those in attendance at the state meet was linebackers coach Andy McCollum, who was Adams’ recruiter.
“That was cool,” Adams said. “That meant a lot.”
Biggest concern:
Coming from a college preparatory environment, Adams wasn’t as concerned about the academic jump he’ll make at Tech. “It’s just the transition from high school to college sports,” he said.
One thing to know about him:
Adams said that, given his size, people assume he’s a bully, but “I’m pretty nice. I feel like I treat everyone like I would want to be treated, with respect and kindness. I’m not too quick to anger, but if you push me, I can get there.”
Adams said that he remembered one time when “I just lost it” when a schoolmate threw a basketball at his head. Adams was in seventh grade.
Adams: “I’ve been working on myself since then.”
On what he’ll consider a successful career:
“I want to be able to say that, from the time I walked in to the time I left, I gave 110 percent every workout, every off-the-field activity and I want to be able to say that I took advantage of the educational opportunities, and of course, I want to be able to say I graduated from Georgia Tech. I feel like that would make me proud and make my parents proud.”
About McCollum:
“He’s probably the closest coach or one of the coaches that was closest to me (during recruiting). I know a lot of college coaches and a lot of college coaches, I guess, were my friends and they supported me, even with me coming to Tech. Even if I didn’t come to Tech, I feel like Coach Mac would still be in my life and he’d still talk to me and encourage me. That’s amazing. You rarely find that nowadays.”
One thing he was making sure to bring with him:
His lucky Georgia Tech visor. He said he got it after signing day. He said he wore it to a meet and set a personal record and made sure to compete with it after that.
“I wear it other times, too, but when I just make sure when I thorw, I’ve got my visor with me,” he said.
On this season:
Defensive line coach Mike Pelton “said he plays the best guys. He’ll play the guys that give them the best chance of winning,” Adams said. “That’s all I can ask for, is an opportunity. The rest is just how bad do I want it.”
Evaluation:
McCollum: “I really feel like we’re getting a real good player. You need good players up front who can move their feet, and he can do that. He’s very powerful.”
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