August 25, 2010

Camp Notebook: Long snapper Jordan Adams fills key position

Jordan Adams would prefer if he never stepped on the field, but if he's called upon the sophomore long snapper is ready for action; Fans can reserve their space in the Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park.

Photo: Long snapper Jordan Adams (left) works his way downfield on punt coverage. He's typically one of the first to arrive at the ball carrier. (photo by Rob Schabert)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – He's possibly the least know player on the roster and Jordan Adams would prefer if he never needed to step onto the field.

However, when he's called upon the sophomore long snapper is ready for action.

Adams came to Tech a year ago from Union Grove (Ga.) High School and stepped into the starting role as Tech's long snapper on punts and placekicks. He heads into the 2010 season as an experienced veteran, and lends optimism to Tech's kicking game with his solid, steady performances.

"Jordan is a very important guy to us," head coach Watson Brown said. "He was our long snapper as a true freshman last year and had a very consistent season. He's gotten bigger and stronger and we expect him to have an even better year this season."

Adams is the first ingredient in Tech's kicking games. While the Golden Eagles have two proven punters and two promising placekickers, none of their legs will matter if Adams doesn't get his job done well.

He was a long snapper for four seasons under coach Steven Collins at Union Grove and was named first-team All-Region 2-5A for the Wolverines. He was a wide receiver as a junior, making 15 catches including two for touchdowns, but chose to focus on his long snapping duties in his senior season.

A versatile athlete, the 6-foot-3 Adams also lettered one year on the basketball team and three seasons as a pitcher on the baseball team.

A political science major, Jordan will turn 19 on the night that the Golden Eagles host UT Martin in Tucker Stadium (Sept. 30).

Fans can reserve their space at Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park

As pregame tailgating activities continue to grow in popularity prior at Tennessee Tech's home football games, the Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park at Tucker Stadium is getting more and more crowded.

That's great news, say Tech Athletics officials. Two years ago Tech began a new policy of allowing fans and groups to reserve spaces in the tailgating area.

"We're thrilled with how the pregame activities continue to grow," said Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics. "Fans are coming out earlier and taking advantage of the opportunity to have a good time before the game, and to extend their experience of attending a Golden Eagle football game.

"The Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park is really a fun place to be for fans coming to the game," he said. "It's really getting to be an exciting atmosphere buzzing with activity."

Because of the popularity, fans and groups have the opportunity to reserve their space in the tailgating area. Persons wishing to reserve space should contact Misty Pearson, Director of Corporate Sales and Marketing for Tech Athletics. She can be reached by calling (931) 372-3937.

Reservations are not required but recommended, Pearson said. Space is limited in the Tailgate Park area but fans can set up anywhere in the general parking area, as well, on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Some fans want a specific space, so this is their chance to reserve that space," she said. "Some fans want to just show up at the game and find a place and hold their tailgating activities there.

"Either way, there's plenty of room in the Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park, so we want to just continue to encourage people to come out early and be a part of the fun," she said.

The 2010 opener is Thursday, Sept. 16, as Tech will host Lane College in the first of five home games this season. The Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park opens at 4 p.m.

For season tickets, visit or call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.

A few position changes

The Golden Eagle depth chart has undergone some minor changes during fall camp with a few players making position changes. The most notable is the move of senior Henry Sailes from A-back to Z-receiver.

Among the other moves on the offense, freshman Doug Page, expected to line up at tight end, has been moved to the W-back position where he's listed second behind Demetrous Garrett. Tremaine Hudson has moved from W-back to A-back and Seth McDonald is now at fullback, moving across the line from his Renegade linebacker position.

On defense, the most notable is Kedrick Towles' move from Rover to Bandit linebacker. Lamar Moore moved from the inside of the defensive line (Anchor) to the outside (Rock).