Eagles Rookie Profile: Six things to know about Josh Adams

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Notre Dame running back Josh Adams in undrafted free agency following the 2018 NFL Draft. Due to a foot injury, Adams hasn’t been able to practice yet, but he could push for a roster spot if he gets healthy.

In order to learn more about the Bucks County native, I reached out to SB Nation’s Notre Dame blog: One Foot Down. Fighting Irish writer Joshua Vowles (@TheSubwayDomer) was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you sum up what his college career was like?

”Out of nowhere.” Adams was a 4 star recruit, but a knee injury that kept him sidelined for his senior season had a lof of schools backing off of his recruitment. Even when he committed to Notre Dame, most fans were like “meh.” It didn’t take long for Irish fans to look at him differently. He scored his first TD as a freshman in the first game of the season against the Texas Lonhorns. After that, he piled up stats, minutes, and street cred. He owns the longest run in Notre Dame Stadium history with a 98 yard TD run. Had Adams stayed for his senior season, he would have had a great chance at leaving as the all-time leading rusher at Notre Dame.

2) What are his strengths?

Adams has tremendous straight line speed, but he also runs with a lot of power. His yards after contact were quite good throughout his career, and despite his lack of “wiggle” he has a great stiff arm. He’s a patient runner and can read his blockers to make that one cut and go.

3) What are his weaknesses?

His health is his biggest weakness. Can he stay healthy enough to play his best? Other than that, his running style is pretty upright - which allows for a lot of big hits on him. He was never much of a factor as a pass catcher, but the Irish offense didn’t utilize that much either, so it’s hard to say how well he can do in that area.

4) Are you surprised he went undrafted?

Not really. His injuries and the position he plays allowed for that to be a good possibility, but I wouldn’t have been shocked if he went as high as the 4th round either.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

If he can stay healthy, I think he could have a 5-6 year career in the NFL. He’s a great leader, and will give everything he has on the field. He may never develop into a true “starter” as a pro, but he has the potential to be a very good back in a rotation.

6) Anything to know about him off the field?

100% class act. He is a very bright and very thoughtful young man. He has a wonderful relationship with his mother, and her hard work and sacrifice is really what has made Josh as a person (she really is pretty great). This is a humble guy that enjoys life, but is very responsible. He’s exactly who you would want to marry your daughter.