@GWUFootball's Thomas Adams Named Big South Defensive Player of the Week
September 25, 2017 | Football
CHARLOTTE – Gardner-Webb's Thomas Adams was named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday following a career-best day at No. 9 Wofford on Saturday.
Adams (Memphis, Tenn. / Central HS) nearly helped the Runnin' Bulldogs pull off the upset in a 27-24 loss in Spartanburg, S.C., finishing with a career-high 14 total tackles (10 solo), a half tackle for loss and a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
With Gardner-Webb trailing 10-3 late in the second quarter – and forced to punt from its own 15-yard line, Adams stepped up with a big play on first down. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound safety scooped up a fumbled pitch at his own 47-yard line and dashed to the end zone – eluding several Wofford tacklers along the way. The extra point tied the game, 10-10, and gave the Runnin' Bulldogs new life with 2:39 to play before the break.
Adams posted career-highs in total tackles (14) and solo stops (10) in the game, helping force the Terriers into four three-and-out situations on the day. His long return was the second in as many weeks, as Adams returned an interception 29 yards down to the two-yard line vs. Western Carolina on September 16 – setting up a Gardner-Webb touchdown.
The versatile Adams – who has started at both corner and safety, as well as returning kickoffs – is tied for the team lead currently with 31 total tackles.
Gardner-Webb will enjoy a well-earned open date this weekend. Each of Gardner-Webb's first three FCS opponents are either ranked or receiving votes in both of this week's major national polls – and eight of GWU's nine FCS opponents overall this season are either ranked or receiving votes in at least one of two FCS national polls.
Gardner-Webb will return home to host Division II Shorter (Ga.) on Saturday, October 7. Kickoff on Homecoming Weekend is set for 1:30 pm on The Big South Network, with Fabian Fuentes and Alex Guest on the call.
Adams (Memphis, Tenn. / Central HS) nearly helped the Runnin' Bulldogs pull off the upset in a 27-24 loss in Spartanburg, S.C., finishing with a career-high 14 total tackles (10 solo), a half tackle for loss and a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
With Gardner-Webb trailing 10-3 late in the second quarter – and forced to punt from its own 15-yard line, Adams stepped up with a big play on first down. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound safety scooped up a fumbled pitch at his own 47-yard line and dashed to the end zone – eluding several Wofford tacklers along the way. The extra point tied the game, 10-10, and gave the Runnin' Bulldogs new life with 2:39 to play before the break.
Adams posted career-highs in total tackles (14) and solo stops (10) in the game, helping force the Terriers into four three-and-out situations on the day. His long return was the second in as many weeks, as Adams returned an interception 29 yards down to the two-yard line vs. Western Carolina on September 16 – setting up a Gardner-Webb touchdown.
The versatile Adams – who has started at both corner and safety, as well as returning kickoffs – is tied for the team lead currently with 31 total tackles.
Gardner-Webb will enjoy a well-earned open date this weekend. Each of Gardner-Webb's first three FCS opponents are either ranked or receiving votes in both of this week's major national polls – and eight of GWU's nine FCS opponents overall this season are either ranked or receiving votes in at least one of two FCS national polls.
Gardner-Webb will return home to host Division II Shorter (Ga.) on Saturday, October 7. Kickoff on Homecoming Weekend is set for 1:30 pm on The Big South Network, with Fabian Fuentes and Alex Guest on the call.
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