ST. GEORGE — Pine View senior running back Keith Adams Jr. signed an official letter of intent on Wednesday to play football for Clemson University.

Adams, who had signed the official paperwork earlier that morning and tweeted about his decision, made a formal announcement at lunchtime in front of dozens of his classmates and teammates at Pine View High School’s lecture hall. 

I’m #ALLIN officially a Clemson Tiger @ClemsonFB 🐅 pic.twitter.com/YW0zj0gixG

— Keith Adams Jr. (@keithadamsjr3) February 2, 2022

During his senior year, his only year with the Panthers, Adams rushed for 1,376 yards, caught 36 passes for 309 additional yards and led the team with 24 touchdowns scored.

“I always say that I think God puts people in people’s lives for a reason, right?” Pine View head coach Ray Hosner said during his introductory remarks. “And so as I look at it, how does a kid from Atlanta, Georgia, come to St. George, Utah, and then all of a sudden be such a great teammate to his teammates? How does a kid like that affect the coaches the way he affected the coaches?”

Hosner praised Adams’ work ethic, particularly as he worked his way back to recovery from a torn meniscus injury he sustained while playing in Georgia.

“When Keith first got here, he was basically getting over surgery and getting to the rehab situation,” Hosner said. “It was fun to watch him get stronger and stronger every week.”

Hosner added that Adams continued to grow through the season.

“That’s just hard work and determination, and all that.”

The Pine View coach went on to mention Adams’ positive attitude and kindness.

“Keith is one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met in my life,” he said. “He’s just so kind and nice to everybody, and that’s the truth.”

Following a short highlight video featuring numerous notable plays by a seemingly unstoppable player wearing Panthers jersey No. 1, Adams then addressed the crowd.

“I’d like to thank God for blessing me to be able to be in this position,” he said, adding his appreciation for his parents, who were seated on the front row.

“I’d like to thank my parents for the countless hours … putting so much time into me to perfect my craft, not just as a football player but as a person,” he said.

Adams then dedicated his football career to his two late grandfathers.

“Before these very two important people passed, I was able to take away wisdom and great life lessons from both of them that I will never forget,” he said.

Adams’ paternal grandfather, Julius Adams, was a defensive lineman who played for the NFL’s New England Patriots from 1971-87. Meanwhile, Julius’ son Keith Adams Sr. played linebacker at Clemson before going on to play for multiple teams during his NFL career, which lasted from 2001-07.

Hosner said he was glad Adams gets to “follow in the legacy of what was created before him.”

Before revealing his final choice, Adams told those in attendance he had narrowed down his favorites to four options, namely Clemson, Marshall, Air Force and the University of South Florida. He then reached into his backpack and pulled out a white baseball cap emblazoned with Clemson’s distinctive orange tiger paw logo and put it on as the crowd erupted in applause.

Shortly thereafter, Adams graciously greeted the throngs of well-wishers that had gathered, exchanging hugs, handshakes and high fives and posing for photographs.

“I considered other places, but Clemson always felt like home to me,” Adams told St. George News afterward. “They were like family. They treated me better than any other program I’ve been to. I just know I’m going to, you know, have a lot of fun there. Make memories and just win games.”

Adams said he hopes he’ll be able to fit in and contribute right away to the Tigers’ program.

Clemson, a perennial Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse, went 10-3 this past year and finished the season ranked 14th in the nation. The Tigers won their last six games, including a 20-13 victory over Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29.

The Tigers also won the national championship in both 2016 and 2018.

“I guess they’re going to use me however they can,” Adams said, adding that he has personally known Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney for years.

“I grew up watching him, and I’ve known him since I was pretty little,” Adams said. “It’s awesome to have the opportunity for him to be my head coach. I’m really excited about that.”

Adams is the fourth Pine View football player in the Class of 2022 to sign with a Division 1 program. Teammates Dominique McKenzie, Marcus McKenzie and Peter Falaniko all signed with Brigham Young University in December, when the early signing period began.

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