Adams Credits S&C Makeover For Big Season

Written by Alec Swain

Josh Adams has put up monstrous numbers week-in and week-out this fall. So much so, Adams is now a top contender for the Heisman trophy. Adams will look to continue to progress this week against a challenging Wake Forest opponent.

Adams has rushed for 1,169 yards and nine touchdowns this fall, but a big part of his success has been the new strength and conditioning staff.

“I mean, it has done wonders,” Josh revealed. “Obviously, you see how it has affected us physically. We’re holding up a lot better. From a physical standpoint, we’re dominating our opponents. Mentally, you know, we’re stronger. We did a lot of mental training throughout the off-season, not only getting our bodies right but getting our minds right, preparing to play each opponent.”

So far, this change has clearly worked as the Irish have dominated since their one-point loss at home early in the season to a tough Georgia team, who currently ranks number one in the country. The Irish have knocked off familiar foes in Michigan State and USC, while also defeating a very tough NC State team.

“It’s been a long journey, and it’s been a lot of fun,” explained Adams. “We have fun pushing our limits, testing where we were at competing. That’s something we had a lot of fun with in the spring, the off-season, competing with each other, seeing who could lift the most weights, who could run the fastest. Bring a little fun back into playing football, competing with the guys around you, seeing how much better you can get, seeing how much you could push them…It did wonders in a lot of areas.”

Notre Dame will need to maintain this attitude as the last stretch of the season begins this weekend. It will be extremely tough for the Irish to win-out, with challenging opponents week-after-week. The Irish will face an undefeated Miami team, a relentless Navy team, and a ranked Stanford team in Palo Alto.

If the Irish plan on having any shot at the playoff, they will need to continue the physicality and strong mentality they have displayed so far this season. With the strong mentality and leadership of Adams and the Notre Dame captains, this is looking like a more and more realistic possibility every week.