“Fiesty Character” Adams Eyes Nickel CB Job

July 26th, 2013

Ironically, a lot of Cardinals players looked up to new Bucs cornerback Michael Adams when he played in Arizona. Adams stands just 5-6. (Yes, the program says Adams is 5-8, but that’s just not the case.)

Bucs QB coach John McNulty spent years coaching in Arizona and observing Adams. McNulty told Joe that Adams is “a very vocal player who throws his body around with reckless abandon,” and he had “a strong circle of players who looked up to him.” He also said Adams made his share of big plays at nickel cornerback.

Joe caught up with Adams to hit him with questions yesterday. Here’s a handful: 

JoeBucsFan.com: John McNulty was with you in Arizona and he said coaches there always talked about upgrading at your position but couldn’t find anyone to beat you out. He praised your toughness and intense work ethic. Most Bucs fans don’t know who you are. How can you describe yourself and your game?

Michael Adams: I’m a feisty character. I’m a bit undersized. But in [the Bucs’] defense I feel like my size kind of suits me. I mean, they can say whatever they might want to say about my game. The fans can say whatever they want to say. But I was an undrafted fee agent going on seven years in the league now. I feel like I’m pretty good myself.

Joe: What do you expect your role to be on the Bucs and what are your goals?

Adams: I’m going to come out here and do whatever the coaches ask me to do. My goal is to start. But whatever their mindset is I’m going to take care of whatever role they give me.  I was playing mostly nickel back in Arizona. I actually like the position. I look forward to trying to compete to get that spot here. Whatever happens, happens.

Joe: As a” feisty character,” does that mean you were a leader in Arizona? Will you do some of that here? And can you talk about your experience in the Super Bowl.

Adams: I was there for a long time in Arizona. And I feel like I was a leader there. Whatever role I get here, I’ll put forth 110 percent effort in all ways. The Super Bowl at least gave me practice time and experience in the stadium and on the practice fields here.

Joe: Was Ronde Barber ever a guy you got to talk to about being a successful nickel back and a small guy.

Adams: I never got to talk to Ronde, but as a young player you looked up to Ronde and Charles Woodson, and any veteran in the nickel position.

Joe: You’ve got quite a reputation as a special teams player. What can you say about that?

Adams: Oh, man. I mean special teams is everything. Special teams is the reason I’ve been in this league this long. I look forward to working with the guys, with the coaches, and bring whatever I can bring to the team. I feel like I’ve had a productive career on special teams. And I feel like I can continue that.

11 Responses to ““Fiesty Character” Adams Eyes Nickel CB Job”

  1. Macabee Says:

    Adams and Banks ran with the 2nd team yesterday. I did not go today, but this feisty little guy has a chance to stick because I understand that he is a pretty good gunner on STs too.

    Not heard a word about Anthony Gaitor, still early but starting to get a little concerned!

  2. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    A solid backup here…..along with Special Teams

    Joe, can you do a piece on Special Teams…..using the expected roster as a base?
    I believe our Special Teams have been improved with some of our acquisitions both Draft & FA.
    Also, Wannstedt should help.

  3. Macabee Says:

    Following Twitter, little guy just intercepted Glennon!

  4. robert Says:

    must have been a tipped pass.

  5. Tampamac Says:

    Kinda reminds me of an NFL version of Nate Robinson.. Undersized but tough.

  6. MadMax Says:

    I like Adams, he can cover those little fast guys playing the slot. Hey Joe, any word on Deveron Carr? He’s got speed too.

  7. Macabee Says:

    Robert,

    To be fair and balanced, Banks just picked off JFRO5x Soul Glo or whatever name you’re calling him this week!

  8. MadMax Says:

    Well, looks like Banks got his first INT 🙂
    https://twitter.com/TBBuccaneers/

  9. BucDan Says:

    @ robert

    Good catch! haha

    This is the kind of attitude that should spread like wildfire. This is the type of mentality that Coach Schiano and company are trying to instill into the team.

    Man, I am excited to be a Bucs fan! Tomorrow night should be a great event and I hope the weather holds up!

  10. teacherman777 Says:

    Great signing by Dom.

    Schiano clearly values special teams. I mean, Mason Foster, our starting MLB was playing special teams last year.

    This guy has a lot of experience, which we need with Gorrer, LJ, Banks,Tandy and maybe Carr making the team.

    He loves to tackle. Which we need at nickel.

    I am very happy that we went out and got an NFL caliber CB to add depth to our team. Love it. I am much happier with a guy like Adams than I would be with a spoiled punk like Wright, who has had everything handed to him since high school.

    Adams= Buccaneer Man

  11. Anthony Gironda Says:

    I hope Michael Adams wins that nickel back job!!!