Adams Named IPTAY Athlete of the Year

Nov. 10, 2007

Clemson, SC — Gaines Adams, a unanimous first-team All-American for the Clemson football program in 2006, received the school’s IPTAY Athlete of the Year award for the 2006-07 academic year on Saturday. The presentation was made between the first and second periods of the Clemson vs. Wake Forest game at Memorial Stadium.

Adams is in his first year as a starting defensive end for the Tampa Bay Bucs. The Bucs have this weekend off so Adams was able to attend the Clemson vs. Wake Forest game on Saturday and receive the award.

Adams was a first-team unanimous All-American in 2006 when he had 12.5 sacks, third best in the nation. He was just the second unanimous first-team All-American in Clemson history, joining former Tiger and College Football Hall of Famer Terry Kinard. He was also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

The native of Greenwood, SC finished his career with 28 sacks, tied for first in Clemson history with Michael Dean Perry. Last April he was the number-four selection of the NFL draft by Tampa Bay, tied for the highest draft pick in Clemson history. Banks McFadden was also a number-four selection in 1939.

Adams earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson in December 2006. He was one of just two players nationally last year who was a first-team consensus All-American, a first-round draft choice and college graduate during the 2006-07 academic year.