Rumbling. Stumbling. Tumbling.
No matter how it was done on the field, Adam McClain proved to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Hampton High School senior capped off a record-breaking season on the gridiron in 2016 and will look to continue the trend next year at the collegiate level after signing to play at the University of the Cumberlands Friday afternoon inside Hampton’s library.
“It’s a really great place,” McClain said about choosing the University of the Cumberlands. “They have a really great campus; they have a great football team, a great system … I think I’ll be able to fit in down there pretty well. It was really just a great atmosphere. They have great coaches and acted like they wanted me to come.”
McClain’s track record shows the bruising back will have a bright future ahead. At the conclusion of the 2016 season, McClain rushed for over 2,100 yards, averaged 10.4 yards a carry, accounted for 29 touchdowns and helped the Bulldogs finished the year with a 10-2 record. Hampton ended the season with a high-scoring 74-50 loss to Austin-East in the second round of the TSSAA Class 2A football players.
The senior broke the school record for most rushing yards in a season and eclipsed a single-season rushing for most yards in a game – running for 315 yards against Sullivan North in October.
Athletes like Adam don’t come around too often according to Hampton head football coach Michael Lunsford.
“Adam had the will to win,” Lunsford said. “His toughness and determination were great. Adam hated to lose more than he liked to win. He’s very competitive, and that’s an attitude that’s been left for our players coming up through the ranks.
“Adam is a tough, hard-nosed kid. You know what you’re going to get out of him on the field,” he continued. “He’s great on the field, great in the classroom, just an overall phenomenal person.”
McClain will also join former Hampton High standouts Coby Jones and Jerry Lunsford next season in Kentucky.
“I think it will be a great opportunity,” McClain said with a smile about playing with former teammates. “I’m going to have some of my buddies there. It’ll be great to know somebody there that’s already part of the system. I think it will be a great opportunity.”
While the excitement is brewing for the next chapter of the football career, the senior said there wouldn’t be another place like J.C. Campbell Stadium.
“Hampton’s such an amazing place,” McClain said. “There’s such a rich football tradition here. There’s been a lot of great people that have come through over the years, and I’m just glad to be somebody that’s be given the opportunity to continue playing at the next level.”
The senior also left some words of encouragement for underclassmen looking for the chance to play at the next level.
“Just work as hard as you can and give it your all,” he said. “Just give your best effort.”