Blythewood QB Jordyn Adams’ big game earns player of the week nod

Blythewood coach Dan Morgan knows good things happen with the ball in Jordyn Adams’ hands.

The Blythewood junior quarterback showed that Saturday during the season opener against Rock Hill. Adams racked up 411 yards of total offense, threw two touchdowns and ran for the game-winning touchdown with 1:32 left in the 27-20 victory.

Adams was named The State’s Offensive Player of the Week, and Gilbert’s Dylan McNatt earned Defensive Player of the Week.

"We want to get the ball in his hands. He can make plays. Protection breaks down he can get out there and get the first down without us throwing the ball," Morgan said. "He sees things that we can’t always see. He is just dadgum good. He is a special athlete and all the colleges know it and all the other teams know it."

Morgan said the biggest challenge will be to keep Adams in a position to make plays as teams start designing their defenses to stop him. But Adams’ quick instincts and reaction should help with that.

On the game-winning touchdown against Rock Hill, Adams showed his improvisation and athletic skill. He said the play was designed to go up the middle but he bounced it outside to the right side and ran it for the 9-yard score.

"I went up the middle and everyone was there so I just bounced it to the outside," Adams said. "My receivers on the outside were making big blocks like they have all game. Then my running back, Jaylon Boyd, came and made a good block to get me to the pylon."

Adams finished with 107 yards rushing on the ground and was 14-of-18 through the air for 239 yards in his first varsity start at quarterback after playing receiver last season. He also returned two kicks for 51 yards and averaged 34.7 yards a punt.

Those kinds of performances should help Adams’ recruiting stock go even higher. Adams, who also excels in baseball, has dual offers from South Carolina, ECU, Liberty and Southern Miss. He also has football offers from North Carolina and Maryland.

Adams said UNC receivers coach Gunter Brewer contacted him Saturday after the game.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder likely will play receiver in college if he goes the football route, but is getting more comfortable in his role as quarterback for the Bengals.

"Coach Morgan knows what is best for team and whatever I got to do to help the team to get the win," Adams said. "My dad at a young age, told me to do whatever is best for the team. He told me coaches love players that aren’t stuck to one position, play multiple sports and positions. That’s what I really strive for."

This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Blythewood QB Jordyn Adams’ big game earns player of the week nod."