2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Adams, DB, Portland State

• Name: Anthony Adams
• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 190 lbs
• School: Portland State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Big Sky Conference
• Twitter: anthony1adams
• Instagram: anthony1adams

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: Applied Health and Fitness

Minor: Business

Educational Leadership and Policy is what I’m pursuing now (for my Masters)

I have been doing a lot of youth camps, especially last Summer. Helping out some 7v7 teams in the area. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Perseverance – I come in and get the job done every day. No matter what, I’m not going to give up on anything. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a team captain, which I have been for the past two years. I can play wherever I’m needed on the backend – whether it’s boundary corner or anything else in that area. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

VJ Malo, defensive lineman

Beau Kelly and Emmanuel Daigbe, the two top receiving options 

There are many others, we have a very well-rounded team this year 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

The versatility – I have a unique ability to play all over the field and there is not a position I’m confined to in the secondary. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

The transition from one defensive coordinator to another after my redshirt year was pretty hard, but given where I’m at now I’m glad I had to go through it. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Baseball or track. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Being a two-time captain on my team so far and pursuing my master’s degree – I only have one more elective credit to complete. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Against Sacramento State – they lined up in an “army” or flexbone formation and we knew exactly what they wanted to do with it. I had a strip on the running back and got the turnover for the momentum swing. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite team: New Orleans Saints

Favorite athlete: LeBron James

I model my game after a Tyrann Mathieu type of player – even though he is not a corner he always has an instinct for the ball. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

We have a pretty good pregame ritual in the locker room – we just have one big speaker for music as opposed to everyone having individual headphones/earbuds 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

Golfing, snowboarding, and simply being outdoors. Rivers, lakes, boats, and hikes are all things you can sign me up for as well. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play football for the competition. I chose football because it is the best way for me to compete and show my athleticism.

My brother really helped get me invested into this sport. He understands the game very well and also played at Portland State a few years ago. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you?

Football is really all that I know – I have been in love with this sport since second grade. 

I love to work and I always pride myself on that. It makes me a valuable football player and overall individual in the world.  

Other notes: 

Played a bit of varsity as freshman and simply worked my way up. Had a few G5 FBS offers but they were all far from home. The rest of my offers were in the Big Sky. Portland State was close to home and my brother was there so it was a pretty easy choice once I eliminated the FBS offers. The coordinator change left me a bit uneasy, but I continued to work and was always accountable through the years. Because of COVID I am going to be a sixth-year guy.