The Measurables
Tony Adams
ROVER – #6 Illinois
HT: 5111
WT: 205
WING: 7628
ARM: 3068
HAND: 948
DOB: 1/24/1999
Year: Redshirt Senior
High School: St. Louis University (St. Louis, MO)
HS Rating: 3 star (0.8472)
Phil Steele: PS#218
Tony Adams Scouting Report
Susceptible to speed, but has explosive ability. Can keep up with receivers because of his quick acceleration. Struggles to maintain positioning without an extra gear. Doesn’t have the speed to chase down ball carriers in the open field. Has decent upper body strength. Tries to wrap up and sling himself to make the tackle, but doesn’t always have the strength to hold onto the ball carrier effectively.
Shows a decent tackling ability. Likes to work downhill. Struggles to catch up with players and make tackles from behind. Good hit power and wraps up well. Takes excellent angles against breakout plays. Usually found near the football. Does not pursue well through traffic. In space, however, he comes downhill and pursues well.
Struggles with hand fighting at the beginning of the rep in man coverage. Needs to be better about staying with the receiver and turning to face the play. Very rough at off coverage. Gives far too much of a cushion. Flashes the ability to undercut the route and make a play on the football. Prefers playing trail technique. Closes well on the play. Adams has the ability to be physical, but really doesn’t attempt to be. Not very effective in press on the boundary, was burned against Rutgers.
Pre-College Gridiron Showcase projection
Tony Adams best projects as a slot/rover who will initially have to serve as a dime back before working his way into the nickel spot. He would best fit in a man-heavy scheme in that capacity. We think his upside is a ROVER who can play 50% of the defensive snaps if needed and his physical brand of coverage will be attractive across the board.
Adams projects best as a seventh-round/PFA at the next level. We like his chances to make it in the league, I don’t think his chances of getting drafted in this class are solid.