Adams to Return for Senior Season

Jan. 14, 2006

Clemson, SC-Clemson junior defensive end Gaines Adams has decided to return to Clemson for his senior year. The native of Greenwood, SC who will be the leading returning ACC player in terms of quarterback sacks and tackles for loss in 2006, made the announce at Littlejohn Coliseum prior to the Clemson vs. Duke basketball game Saturday afternoon.

“I thought about this a long time, but after careful consideration of all the factors, I have decided to return to Clemson for my senior season,” said Adams. “The most important thing is I will be able to get my degree.” Adams is a sports management major on track to graduate in December of 2006.

“I met with Coach (Tommy) Bowden last week and he gave me some good information. I believe another year will also give me a chance to be a higher draft choice. “

“We are very pleased with Gaines’s decision to return to Clemson,” said Bowden. “He is making a wise decision. He had a strong finish to 2005, and if he can play that way on a throughout next year he will improve his status with the NFL. We also welcome back his leadership qualities.”

With Adams decision to return he will be the ACC leader among returning players in tackles for loss and sacks.

Adams finished the 2005 season with 56 tackles, sixth on Clemson’s defense that ranked 11th best in the nation in scoring defense. He had a team best 15 tackles for loss for 83 lost yards and a team best 9.5 sacks for 64 loss yards. He ranked fifth in the ACC in sacks for the season. Adams also led the Tigers in passes broken up with nine, the first Clemson defensive lineman to lead the team in that area in 28 years, and paced the club in quarterback pressures with a record 29.

Adams was especially effective in the last three games of the season when he had 17 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He had a pair of sacks and seven tackles in the win over Colorado. He was named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his 2.5 sacks and eight tackles in the win over Maryland in the second week of the season.

Adams has 27 career tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks to go with his 15 passes broken up and 41 quarterback pressures. He started all 12 games in 2005 and came off the bench in 2003 and 2004.

Earlier this week, junior linebacker Anthony Waters, Clemson’s top tackler with 109 stops this year, announced he would also return for his senior year. Waters will be the leading returning tackler in the ACC in 2006.