Mike Adams Ready to Compete at the Left Tackle Position

An upperclassman star or a recruiting bust? Mike Adams came to Ohio State as the next Orlando Pace, but maybe there will never be a next Orlando Pace. The other two members of the highly regarded 2008 offensive line recruiting class, Michael Brewster and JB Shugarts, have already won their starting roles on the line. But Adams has struggled to find his place at the left tackle slot were both Jim Cordle and Andrew Miller played last season.

By Steve Patterson

A star at the local Dublin Coffman High School, Adams was a 5 star recruit with most services and rated near the top of the offensive tackle 2008 class nationally. He played in the Army All American Bowl which features the best high school players in the country with Terrelle Pryor and other OSU teammates. But injury and off the field issues have help him back from taking over the position that everyone assumed would have been his when Alex Boone graduated.

Adams has come into the fall camp in the best shape of his career with the Buckeyes and has been practicing with the first team in camp up to this point. His competition for the position includes Andrew Miller once again and sophomore Marcus Hall who saw time as a freshman last season.

His first two years include a 2008 shoulder surgery, a 2009 two game suspension, and a late 2009 knee injury which ended his season. This should be his best year if he can stay healthy and stay out of trouble off the field. Other lineman have noticed his improved effort. Bryant Browning commented on his ability to hold blocks longer and to get to his assigned position within the offensive scheme.

He has welcomed the competition this fall camp as a way to improve his play and prove that he belongs in the starting lineup.