“HE’S BACK ” Arkansas Legend return: Joe Adams joins Arkansas Razorbacks as new……. : see more…..
“HE’S BACK ” Arkansas Legend return: Joe Adams joins Arkansas Razorbacks as new……. : see more…..
When Arkansas receiver Joe Adams was told he had su◊ered a minor stroke, the sophomore’s reaction was a familiar one.
“I thought I was too young,” Adams said.
It didn’t take long for the confusion, uncertainty and disbelief to subside in the Little Rock native, though. Soon, it was replaced by something else – determination he would work his way back to the fi eld this year.
“They said I had (a stroke) one day and the next day I was trying to get back out here,” Adams said. “I wasn’t worried about it.”
Adams made an impressive – and inspirational – return in Arkansas’ 63-27 win against Eastern Michigan last Saturday, catching three passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Afterward, Adams admitted the medical scare was one that has changed his outlook on life, but it never really altered his thoughts on football. He planned to run routes, catch passes and score touchdowns again.
He did that against the Eagles little more than three weeks after su◊ering his minor stroke. He’ll be a big part of Arkansas’ offensive plans Saturday, too, when the Hogs play South Carolina in Razorback Stadium.
There’s no doubt Adams’ returnmeans a lot to the Razorbacks on the field because of his speed and playmaking abilities. But Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said seeing Adams healthy and happy has had another e◊ect on the Hogs.
“We have a player like no other team probably has ever had,” Petrino said. “Su◊ered a mild stroke, which hurts everybody’s feelings. Everyone is looking out for Joe and is concerned about him. To get him back and the energy and the smile that he brought with him, and the fact that, ‘Hey, this is a game I truly love and I’m so happy to be back playing it,’ I think lifts everybody on the team.”
Adams’ teammates said finding out the receiver had su◊ered a stroke was a shocking revelation in the days leading up to the Auburn game.
