NFL —
From potential Farrell Steeler to current Pittsburgh Steeler, Farrell native Mike Adams is living a charmed existence right now.
“I’m from Farrell and we’re the Steelers, too, this kind of came naturally,” Adams said after an afternoon practice at Saint Vincent College. “Jerome Bettis is my favorite player ever. I’ve been watching the Black and Gold ever since I was like 4 or 5 years old. Hopefully, this is the first and the last (pro team I’m with). It’s great. I couldn’t have been more excited. My family up there in the valley was so excited. It’s a blessing to be a part of this organization.”
After his family moved out of the Shenango Valley when he was younger, Adams wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. When it appeared as though the Black and Gold weren’t interested in him after making a mistake in his personal life, the 6-7 second round pick out of Ohio State decided to take matters into his own hands and drove to Pittsburgh from Columbus to personally petition the Steelers to draft him.
“I definitely think it paid off,” Adams said of his much publicized trip from Columbus to Pittsburgh this spring. “I’m here. That was the main goal and I’m so happy about that.”
He’s also been pleased with how he’s performed in practice so far, which included a much-publicized 1-on-1 encounter with fellow former Buckeye and former first round pick defensive end Cameron Heyward that saw Adams dominate Heyward.
“I’m trying to get better every day,” Adams said. “I’ve done pretty good so far. I just have to get better. I haven’t really evaluated myself yet, but I’m coming along. I have a lot of work to do.”
To that end, Adams has been turning to some of the veteran offensive linemen when he’s needed answered questions.
“I’ve got a great group of older linemen around me to help when I need it,” Adams said. “Coach Kugs (Sean Kugler). It’s just been great to be a part of this team. They’re all great to me … (Maurkice) Pouncey, Willie Colon, Ramon Foster, Trai Essex. Max Starks hasn’t been able to practice and has been helping me out. All those guys have been great. Whenever I need it, all those guys have been willing to help.”
One of the bigger questions swirling around camp has been whether – or rather when – Adams and No. 1 pick guard David DeCastro will be inserted into the offensive line.
Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday officially named DeCastro and Adams starters for Pittsburgh’s preseason opener in Philadelphia against the Eagles.
DeCastro, the No. 24 overall draft pick, will start at right guard. Adams, the 2nd-round pick, will be at left tackle.
“They’ve had good moments and some not-so-good moments,” Tomlin said in an Associated Press story. “That is the process that is team development and individual development. But both guys have worked extremely hard, both guys finish and they’re smart young men. We’ll see more about them, and of course we’ll know more about them by Thursday night.”
DeCastro has been battling current starter Ramon Foster for the right guard spot, while Adams has been in the mix at left tackle with veteran tackles Essex and Starks.
There had been a lot of speculation that Starks will start the early portion of the season before giving way to Adams once he’s ready.
“Camp has been going good,” Adams said.
“My goal is to get better each day. You know to improve my craft and control the things I can control. If (starting) is where I end up, I’ll be very happy about that. As long as I go out and get better every day, I’ll be happy.”
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Farrell native Mike Adams battles a defender last week at Steelers training camp. Corey J. Corbin/Herald
Farrell native Adams impresses Steelers
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