How KZ Adams’ incredible season at Gray stands out among recent SC football history
Newberry coach Phil Strickland compared him to Hall of Famer Barry Sanders from his high school days.
Gray Collegiate coach Adam Holmes is running of adjectives to describe him.
That’s because War Eagles senior running back KZ Adams has put up one of the greatest single high school football seasons in state history.
Adams, a Georgia State commit and Mr. Football finalist, rushed for what is believed to be a state-record 3,035 yards and 39 total touchdowns this season. He also is a starter at defensive back.
Adams will get a chance to shine one more time in Friday’s Class 2A state championship game against Silver Bluff.
“Just an amazing kid and an amazing talent,” Holmes said. “‘I’m excited he is going to be on the big stage and what he does for us as a program on offense, defense and special teams. He is the best player in the state.”
Here is a look at how Adams’ big year compares to some of the other single-season offensive performances in South Carolina since 2000:
▪ Noah Bell, QB, Saluda (2019): Threw for 3,988 yards, 49 touchdowns and ran for 554 and 16 touchdowns.
▪ Amir Abrams, RB, Newberry (2017): Rushed for 2,486 yards and 38 touchdowns.
▪ Colton Bailey, QB, Chapman (2017): Was 205-for-289 passing for 3,400 yards and 45 touchdowns. He also rushed 130 times for 936 yards and 15 TDs.
▪ Logan Bailey, QB, Chapin (2015): Threw for 3,025 yards, 34 touchdowns and rushed for 1,265 yards and 32 touchdowns.
▪ Austin Scott, QB, Spartanburg, (2015): Passed for 5,144 yards and 63 touchdowns.
▪ Tavien Feaster, RB, Spartanburg (2014): Rushed for 1,153 yards, caught 45 passes for 1,016 yards and had 28 total touchdowns.
▪ Shuler Bentley, QB, Byrnes (2013): Completed 293-of-425 passes for 5,032 yards for 71 touchdowns.
▪ Matt Colburn, RB, Dutch Fork (2013): Ran 328 times for 2,488 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns.
▪ Mason Rudolph, QB, Northwestern (2013): Threw for 4,377 yards, 64 touchdowns and ran for 543 yards and 16 scores.
▪ Dupree Hart, WR, Northwestern (2013): Caught 115 passes for 1,655 yards, 26 touchdowns and also ran it 46 times for 237 yards and five touchdowns.
▪ Justin Worley, QB, Northwestern (2010): Completed 403-of-548 passes for 5,052 yards and 59 touchdowns.
▪ Shon Carson, RB, Lake City (2010): Rushed for 2,280 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior
▪ Robert Joseph, WR, Northwestern (2009): Caught 150 passes for 1,834 yards and 28 TDs.
▪ Demetris Summers, RB, Lexington (2001): Rushed for 2,329 yards and 39 touchdowns. State’s all-time career rushing leader with more than 9,000 yards.
