Football Recruiting - Southeast Region: Montravius Adams
SUWANEE, Ga. – There is never a shortage of highly coveted football prospects in the state of Georgia. While it remains to be seen if anyone in the 2014 class will be rated as highly as 2013 standouts Robert Nkemdiche or Montravius Adams, there are already a couple defensive recruits that can stake claim to being recruited by just about every prominent program in the country. Raekwon McMillan is one, and Lorenzo Carter is the other.
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VIENNA, Ga. -- For a moment, rural Dooly County High School was the center of the college recruiting world as the nation’s No. 2 defensive tackle prospect, Montravius Adams, finally announced on ESPNU where he would be attending college. After taking official visits to Florida, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn over the last five weekends, it seems that getting the last word with Adams was the secret to winning him over.
“I want to thank my family and my coaches for helping me through the process and for making me a better person," he said Wednesday morning during the announcement at his school. “I only have one more thing to say, and that is War Eagle!”
Adams said early in his recruitment that he would like to leave the Peach State to continue his football career. Clemson appeared to be the early front-runner, as the Tigers’ coaching staff was the first to offer the Under Armour All-American. More than 20 programs followed suit, and in the end Auburn and new coach Gus Malzahn prevailed.
“I loved Clemson, but in the end I think Auburn was the right choice for me," Adams said. "My mom loved everything about Auburn. The school, the coaches -- everything.”
In-state power Georgia did everything it could to secure its top remaining target, but former UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner departing for Auburn was a critical blow.
“Coach Garner going over there helped a lot," Adams said of choosing the Tigers. "If he hadn’t have gone there I would not have looked at Auburn. It would have helped Georgia if he had stayed.”
What is the impact of Adams' decision?
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ESPN RecruitingNation has signing day covered. Follow ESPNU’s coverage, chat with analysts and get breaking news on our Signing Day Live page beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. For more on what to expect on signing day, check out the ACC conference breakdown 
.
Bold prediction: Virginia Tech will climb back toward the top of the conference after signing a strong 2013 class.
Boston College
Biggest need: Playmakers at running back.
Biggest recruit: Three-star athlete Myles Willis will make the transition from high school option quarterback to running back for Steve Addazio’s spread offense.
Clemson
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: While the Tigers’ chances at four-star prospect Montravius Adams are slipping, there are some quality recruits on board, including ESPN 150 defensive end Ebenezer Ogundeko.
Duke
Biggest need: Defensive backs for the 4-2-5 package.
Biggest recruit: Three-star cornerback Evrett Edwards should be able to come in and play early.
Florida State
Biggest need: Offensive linemen and front-seven depth.
Biggest recruit: Florida State lost ESPN 150 offensive lineman Austin Golson a week ago and has been frantically trying to get him to recommit.
Georgia Tech
Biggest need: Team speed.
Biggest recruit: Several options here, but three-star wide receiver Ricky Jeune should find a spot on the field quickly.
Maryland
Biggest need: Playmakers and depth.
Biggest recruit: Junior college wide receiver Deon Long should be able to line up across from Stefon Diggs and give the Terps another major vertical threat.
Miami
Biggest need: Run-stopping defenders.
Biggest recruit: Five-star prospect Matthew Thomas is the most coveted prospect in the eyes of Hurricanes fans, but four-star defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick fits an even bigger need.
North Carolina
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: At the top of the class are two ESPN 150 prospects in cornerback Brian Walker and defensive tackle Greg Webb. Both will get early looks.
North Carolina State
Biggest need: Athletes for spread offense.
Biggest recruit: Three-star wide receiver Johnathan Alston leads a very good class of skill players.
Pittsburgh
Biggest need: Speed on offense.
Biggest recruit: Four-star offensive lineman Dorian Johnson is one of the best in the nation.
Syracuse
Biggest need: Quality depth on defense.
Biggest recruit: Junior college linebacker Luke Arciniega has the potential to be a big-time contributor in the fall.
Virginia
Biggest need: Defensive backs.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 running back Taquan Mizzell and four-star defensive back Tim Harris are two players to watch early.
Virginia Tech
Biggest need: Team speed on defense.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 prospect Kendall Fuller leads one of Frank Beamer’s best classes.
Wake Forest
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: Four-star linebacker Lance Virgile is the sort of physical presence Wake Forest’s defense will need in the future.
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Bold prediction: Virginia Tech will climb back toward the top of the conference after signing a strong 2013 class.
Boston College
Biggest need: Playmakers at running back.
Biggest recruit: Three-star athlete Myles Willis will make the transition from high school option quarterback to running back for Steve Addazio’s spread offense.
Clemson
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: While the Tigers’ chances at four-star prospect Montravius Adams are slipping, there are some quality recruits on board, including ESPN 150 defensive end Ebenezer Ogundeko.
Duke
Biggest need: Defensive backs for the 4-2-5 package.
Biggest recruit: Three-star cornerback Evrett Edwards should be able to come in and play early.
Florida State
Biggest need: Offensive linemen and front-seven depth.
Biggest recruit: Florida State lost ESPN 150 offensive lineman Austin Golson a week ago and has been frantically trying to get him to recommit.
Georgia Tech
Biggest need: Team speed.
Biggest recruit: Several options here, but three-star wide receiver Ricky Jeune should find a spot on the field quickly.
Maryland
Biggest need: Playmakers and depth.
Biggest recruit: Junior college wide receiver Deon Long should be able to line up across from Stefon Diggs and give the Terps another major vertical threat.
Miami
Biggest need: Run-stopping defenders.
Biggest recruit: Five-star prospect Matthew Thomas is the most coveted prospect in the eyes of Hurricanes fans, but four-star defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick fits an even bigger need.
North Carolina
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: At the top of the class are two ESPN 150 prospects in cornerback Brian Walker and defensive tackle Greg Webb. Both will get early looks.
North Carolina State
Biggest need: Athletes for spread offense.
Biggest recruit: Three-star wide receiver Johnathan Alston leads a very good class of skill players.
Pittsburgh
Biggest need: Speed on offense.
Biggest recruit: Four-star offensive lineman Dorian Johnson is one of the best in the nation.
Syracuse
Biggest need: Quality depth on defense.
Biggest recruit: Junior college linebacker Luke Arciniega has the potential to be a big-time contributor in the fall.
Virginia
Biggest need: Defensive backs.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 running back Taquan Mizzell and four-star defensive back Tim Harris are two players to watch early.
Virginia Tech
Biggest need: Team speed on defense.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 prospect Kendall Fuller leads one of Frank Beamer’s best classes.
Wake Forest
Biggest need: Playmakers on defense.
Biggest recruit: Four-star linebacker Lance Virgile is the sort of physical presence Wake Forest’s defense will need in the future.
AUBURN, Ala. -- Over the weekend, ESPN 150 defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) took his fifth and final official visit, and it went to Auburn. It gave him a chance to spend time with the new coaching staff, which includes a familiar face.
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Montravius Adams talks leaders, decision 
January, 27, 2013
Jan 27
6:36
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- The official visit for Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly Co.) to UGA was an important one, not only to the Bulldogs hoping to sign the ESPN 150 defensive tackle, but also to the 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is competitive. So much so he wouldn’t let visiting ESPN 150 running back Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) win at a game of spades. The four-star tailback said that it could have cost Georgia big.
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ESPN 150 CB Wiggins makes decision
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
6:11
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams and
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Sunday, ESPN 150 cornerback Shaq Wiggins (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek) returned from an official visit to South Carolina. Later that evening he received a call from Mark Richt. The Georgia head coach asked if he should be worried about Wiggins changing his commitment from Georgia to the Gamecocks. Wiggins told Richt no, but that he still planned to take visits to Florida and Texas A&M.
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ESPN 150 prospect Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly Co.) took his second official visit last weekend, traveling to Clemson. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman was first targeted by the Tigers more than 18 months ago, and they are considered one of the major contenders to get Adams as national signing day approaches.
Adams spoke well of his latest trip.
Adams spoke well of his latest trip.
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Gators jump to No. 1 in class rankings
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
2:59
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There were some big changes for Florida commits in the final edition of the ESPN 300. The Gators landed 15 players on the list, including 10 in the ESPN 150. With their success on the recruiting front, the Gators moved back into first place in the ESPN class rankings.
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Immediately following the Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., five-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly) was on his way to Gainesville, Fla., to take his first official visit to the University of Florida.
The No. 7 prospect in the country had been on campus before, but he and his mother were able to spend more time with the coaching staff this time.
“I got to know the coaches and players really well, which is good, since I might be playing with them in the future,” Adams said. “My favorite part was letting them talk to my momma and letting her meet the academic tutors. I know she liked it at Florida, and she loved the people there.”
The No. 7 prospect in the country had been on campus before, but he and his mother were able to spend more time with the coaching staff this time.
“I got to know the coaches and players really well, which is good, since I might be playing with them in the future,” Adams said. “My favorite part was letting them talk to my momma and letting her meet the academic tutors. I know she liked it at Florida, and she loved the people there.”
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- After the Under Armour All-America Game, five-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly) will waste little time starting his official visits. He plans to head straight out Friday night to Gainesville, Fla., to check out the Gators after he plays in the all-star game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg (5 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“I want to get my mom around the Florida coaches and see how she likes them,” Adams said. “The chance to play under Bryant Young helps Florida stand out because he has done a lot of things I want to do.”
Up next will be Clemson, the first school to offer the No. 7 prospect in the ESPN 150.
“I want to get my mom around the Florida coaches and see how she likes them,” Adams said. “The chance to play under Bryant Young helps Florida stand out because he has done a lot of things I want to do.”
Up next will be Clemson, the first school to offer the No. 7 prospect in the ESPN 150.
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Five-star DT Adams sets 4 officials
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
12:05
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
With his football season wrapped up, five-star defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly Co.) is now set to focus on his recruitment. Adams has yet to formally narrow down his list of teams, but today he announced he had set up four of his official visits, with two programs fighting for his fifth and final spot.
“I am taking an official to Florida immediately after the Under Armour Game, then Clemson, Jan. 11, Alabama, Jan. 18, and to Georgia on Jan. 25,” Adams said. “I might take a fifth official to UNC or Ole Miss.”
Last weekend at the Georgia Dome, Adams and his teammates played ECI for the GHSA A class (public) state championship. Several college coaches were on the sidelines to watch Adams and others play, but the No. 7 prospect in the country only recalls talking to one school.
“I am taking an official to Florida immediately after the Under Armour Game, then Clemson, Jan. 11, Alabama, Jan. 18, and to Georgia on Jan. 25,” Adams said. “I might take a fifth official to UNC or Ole Miss.”
Last weekend at the Georgia Dome, Adams and his teammates played ECI for the GHSA A class (public) state championship. Several college coaches were on the sidelines to watch Adams and others play, but the No. 7 prospect in the country only recalls talking to one school.
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Top recruits abound at Ga. state finals
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
9:57
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
There will be no shortage of talent, or college coaches, on the field at the Georgia Dome this weekend, as the GHSA football state championships are set to take place. All seven games will be broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting TV, as well as streaming online at gpb.org/sports. Here are some prospects to keep an eye on in each of the seven matchups.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
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Adams intends to live up to promise
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
LINCOLNTON, Ga. -- Five-star defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) made a promise to his mother when he was a little boy. Well, make that a young boy. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound All-American was seldom considered little. Young “Mon” Adams told his mother Debbie Young that he had a plan.
“I worked at nights at Tyson Foods so I always had an aunt, Inez Glenn, that made sure he got to his games,” Young said. “He had a bike, but the chain would never stay on it and he always wanted to get to that game, so she made sure he did. He said, ‘Momma, one day I am going to stop you from working at Tyson.’ I said ‘Oh, OK, Mon,’ but I didn’t believe what is happening now would actually happen. That is what he said. I am just very excited for him.”
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5-star Lawson shocked by Auburn firing
November, 25, 2012
11/25/12
7:46
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Five-star defensive end Carl Lawson (Marietta, Ga./Milton) was not prepared to discuss the news Sunday that Auburn had fired head coach Gene Chizik.
“No comment on Auburn right now," Lawson said. "The news shocked me.”
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