The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to address their offensive line in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft with the selection of Ohio State tackle Mike Adams with the 24th pick of the second round. Adams appeared in 30 games during his four-year career at Ohio State, starting 25 of them, including his last 21. In his final two seasons as a starter, the left offensive tackle registered 167 knockdowns and 33 touchdown-resulting blocks.
Adams tested positive at the NFL combine for marijuana, but alerted teams during visits.
OVERVIEW
One of the most coveted prospects coming out of Dublin-Coffman High School, Adams is recognized as the Big Ten Conference’s premier left offensive tackle. It took the Buckeye two seasons to reach that lofty analysis, as he missed the four games during his freshman year due to left shoulder surgery, only to suffer a foot injury that would cost him another four contests.
Off-field problems prior to the 2009 season caused the coaches to demote Adams to the scout team while serving a two-game suspension. He returned to start four of the next five games before suffering a left knee meniscus tear. He underwent surgery and sat out the rest of his sophomore campaign.
Adams returned with renewed enthusiasm, earning team Lineman of the Week honors four times while starting all thirteen games at left tackle. The All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection recorded twenty touchdown-resulting blocks, more than any other tackle in the conference in 2010. He was the major reason the Buckeyes had so much success on the ground, finishing 14th in the nation with an average of 220.08 yards per game.
Adams was suspended for the first five games of the 2011 schedule by the NCAA for his involvement in the Ohio State “Tattoo Five” scandal. The left tackle, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, tailback Dan Herron, receiver DeVier Posey and defensive end Solomon Thomas were punished by the NCAA for selling their 2008 Big Ten Conference championship rings memorabilia and taking discounts from a tattoo parlor.
Because the suspensions do not start until next season, all five athletes were allowed to play vs. Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. A few months later, the scandal would force OSU head coach Jim Tressel to step down. Upon his return from the suspension, in which Adams was ordered to repay the $1,000 he received for the memorabilia, he made up for lost time upon his return, attaining All-Big Ten second-team status, despite appearing in just eight contests.
With Adams back at his left tackle position, the team averaged 214.25 yards per game on the ground. Without the senior in the lineup, the Buckeyes struggled to establish their rushing attack, which averaged 154.2 yards on the sidelines, but that figure included a 224-yard effort vs. one of the worst teams in college football – Akron.
After a 35-yard rushing effort on 39 carries vs. Michigan State, the team’s lowest game output in ten seasons, Adams returned to the lineup, with the Buckeyes instantly responding behind a revived rushing attack that generated over 200 yards in five of their next six contests. Adams would still finish his final campaign with thirteen touchdown-resulting blocks and 78 knockdowns.
Determined to show pro scouts and coaches that he is worthy of first round consideration, Adams put on quite an impressive show during practices leading up to the 2012 Senior Bowl. What teams saw was a left tackle with the ability to maintain squarely in front of speed rushers and play with a reliable base vs. bull rushers. Throughout the week, he consistently controlled whatever opponent lined up vs. him in one-on-one drills, as he possesses the ability to set up quickly with a naturally wide base.
2011 SEASON
All-American Dream Team selection (second-team) by The NFL Draft Report…The Dream Team is based on pro potential, according to that scouting information service…Added second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors, despite missing the Buckeyes’ first five games due to an NCAA suspension…Started the final eight contests and once he was back in the lineup, the team’s struggling ground attack suddenly came back to life…
Without Adams, OSU averaged 154.2 yards per game through their first five games, but 224 yards came in the season opener vs. Akron, a team that ranked 108th in the nation in run defense…After the team generated only 35 yards on 35 carries vs. Michigan State, the Buckeyes more than gladly welcomed Adams back to the fold…In his first game back, Adams made two touchdown-resulting blocks as the running unit piled up 243 yards vs. Nebraska…The following week, he helped OSU rush for 211 yards Illinois and then had two more touchdown-resulting blocks as the Buckeyes scored three times rushing and collected 268 yards in an upset win over Wisconsin…With fourteen knockdowns and three touchdown-resulting blocks to his credit, Ohio State exploded for a season-high 346 yards rushing vs. Indiana…Adams would close out the year with thirteen touchdown-resulting blocks and 78 knockdowns for an offense that averaged 308.2 yards per game without their left tackle and 324.38 yards with him in the lineup.
2010 SEASON
All-American third-team selection by The NFL Draft Report…Consensus All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice…Started all thirteen games for the only time during his collegiate career, as the left tackle paced thye Buckeyes with an 89.6% grade for blocking consistency, registering 89 knockdowns and 20 touchdown-resulting blocks…The team ranked 11th in the nation in scoring (38.77 ppg), 14th in rushing (220.08 ypg) and 20th in total offense (448.62 ypg).
2009 SEASON
It was a trying season for Adams, who was suspended for the team’s first two games vs. Navy and Southern California for disciplinary reasons, then returned as a reserve vs. Toledo before starting the next four games (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Purdue)…The injury bug hit, as Adams suffered a cartilage tear in his knee during practice that required surgery…Missed the next three games vs. Minnesota, New Mexico State and Penn State before suiting up vs. Iowa, but did not play and was also sidelined for the final two contests vs. Michigan and Oregon.
2008 SEASON
Adams was a reserve offensive tackle, appearing in four games during an injury-plagued season…Was in and out of the lineup during the first half of the schedule while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery…Played in the season opener vs. Youngstown State and the following week vs. Ohio University, but sat out the Southern California and Wisconsin clashes (coach’s decision)…Appeared briefly vs. Purdue, replacing an injured Alex Boone at left tackle, but after just two plays, Adams limped off the field with a foot sprain that sidelined him for the second half, along with missing the Buckeyes’ final six contests.
INJURY REPORT
2008 Season…Was limited in preseason drills and early during the first half of the schedule while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery…Sustained a season-ending left foot injury vs. Purdue, sitting out the final six contests.
2009 Season…Bothered in early October, missing practices leading up to the Wisconsin game, as he was one of several Buckeyes battling a swine-like flu. Teams across the country dealt with star players missing time due to the illness. OSU head coach Jim Tressel said. “I don\’t think it\’s under control because it\’s not under control with the general population. That\’s just part of the deal, so you try to get your rest and try to take care of yourself and wash your hands as much as you can.”…Adams suffered a cartilage tear in his knee prior to the Minnesota contest, undergoing arthroscopic surgery that would sideline him for the final six games.
AGILITY TESTS
5.40 in the 40-yard dash…1.92 10-yard dash…3.03 20-yard dash…4.95 20-yard shuttle…
7.94 three-cone drill…28 ½-inch vertical jump…8’4” broad jump…Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times…34-inch arm length…10 7/8-inch hands…82 ¾-inch wingspan.
HIGH SCHOOL
Adams attended Dublin-Coffman High School in Dublin, Ohio, playing football for Shamrocks head coach Mark Crabtree…Regarded as the nation’s top offensive tackle prospect by ESPN, Scout.com, Rivals.com, Prep Star and Super Prep, Adams led the team to a 13-1 record, ranking second in the state and ninth nationally during his senior year…
An All-Ohio pick as a junior and senior, he added All-Ohio Capital Conference, All-Metro, and All-District each of those seasons…Was selected Parade and EA Sports All-American in 2007…Was the top-rated player on the Detroit Free Press “Best of the Midwest” team and chosen USA Today All-USA…Competed in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
PERSONAL
Criminology major…Born 3/10/90…Resides in Dublin, Ohio.
