Offensive Tackle brings Character and Skill to the Demons
(1 February 2001) — Scott Adams has nothing to prove. His football skill and attitude have taken him far in the world of professional football.
After all it was raw ability that brought him to the Barcelona Dragons of the World League, and then to the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.
But once in the big league Scott was the victim of the salary cap, and he became a journeyman in the league, playing for many different teams in his NFL career.
Now the XFL has a new reason to covet his talents – He fits the mold of an smashmouth football player. When the XFL decided to put microphones on all their players Scott Adams was exactly what they had in mind.
When asked what the fans will hear from his microphone, Adams had this to say: “They are going to hear a lot. I do a lot of talking. I am a very vocal individual. I am not necessarily a trash talker, but if I get a guy who I think can get him out of his game by talking to him I will.”
Recall that Scott Adams was picked by the San Francisco Demons in the second round of the P.A.S.S. draft, eleventh overall. He was the first lineman to be picked. The “buzz” is that he was picked as much for his character as for his football skills.
As Dick Butkus put it when asked whether Adams was drafted early for his football skills or for his character, “Maybe a little of both.”
According to Scott it won’t be all smack-talk down on the line. “We talk a lot on the offensive line, a lot of people don’t realize this. Sometimes we are making three or four calls each play, and it’ll be cool for the people to hear that and understand it goes on.”
Adams is more a little modest when asked about his role on the the Demons.
“I’m a little different in this league being an older guy, I bring some experience to the table,” Adams stated. “We’ve got a lot of guys who have never played on a professional level. For me it’s a different deal because I get to be a leader and I really relish that role.”
Adams is enjoying his time in the XFL. But, when compared to other leagues, there is not much of a difference, especially training camp. “Training camp is training camp, you bleed, you sweat, you hurt.”
The only problem with the Demon’s training camp has been the shear speed of the operation. Scott feels that the whole thing is happening quite fast. “All these guys didn’t know each other six weeks ago and then all of a sudden we are getting ready to kick off the opener Sunday. I think we’ve got a lot of talent and I hope we can things to gel early – so we can kick this thing off good.”
According to Scott, some of the Demons that we should keep an eye on are quarterbacks Mike Pawlawski and Pat Barnes, running back Vaughn Dunbar, center Mike Kiselak, receiver WR James Hundon and linebacker James Williams.
“Mike Pawlawski has a lot of talent. Pat Barnes does too. It gives us a one-two punch and a lot of depth that a lot of teams just don’t have. As far as I know Pawlawski will be starting and it will be his game, but that’s up to the Offensive Coordinator.”
What can we expect on you average XFL game day? Scott says “It’s hard to tell.”
“I thing you’re going to see a lot of blitzing and stuff. If I was an offensive coordinator I would be testing some of these younger guys on the offense to see if they can handle it. Also, the rules with one foot inbound will let receivers make more catches and be exciting offense for the fans. The people who are coming to the stadium are absolutely going to freak out. They’ll see things they haven’t seen before.”
According to Scott, the Cheerleader hype is a non-issue for the players. “We’re out here to play ball. I understand Vince McMahon and his marketing. He is a genius at what he does and he knows how to generate controversy and get the league in the papers. People are talking about it all around the country.”
Scott is right. The Cheerleaders were the first thing to make an impression on XFL fans.
Maybe the second thing will be Scott Adams and the San Francisco Demons.
Scott Adams and the San Francisco Demons play the LA Xtreme at Pac Bell Park on Sunday. The game is sold out. Broadcast is on UPN. 4:00PM EST (1:00PM PST)
Scott Adams
Number – 71
Position – OT
College – Georgia
Height – 6’6
Weight – 315 lbs.
Born: September 28, 1966
Last Club: Denver Broncos (NFL)
Hometown: Watkinsille, GA
XFL P.A.S.S.: No. 11 overall, No. 2 pick by the San Francisco Demons – 2000
Professional Highlights
In 1990, Adams’ love for football brought him to the World Football League, where he was a star offensive tackle with the Barcelona Dragons. He was a standout player in the league and received the distinguished honor of being selected to the All World Team. His determination and progress naturally carried him to the NFL, where he played three solid seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Adams was released by the Vikings due to pressures produced by the NFL salary cap and became a journeyman in the league, playing for seven teams in his professional career.
Personal
His appreciation for football started when he was young. As a kid, Adams admired football greats like Bill Stanfill, Jack Youngblood, and Ron Yary, who were true gladiators of the game. Adams biggest influence was his father, who lost a 21-year battle with various kinds of cancer in May of 1994. Throughout his college and professional careers, his respect for the game grew as he fine-tuned his ability and learned to have fun on the field. Much like his longtime friend and college roommate Bill Goldberg, star of WCW wrestling, Adams appreciates the fans, particularly the kids. He is now encouraged by the opportunity to play in XFL and is determined to bring excitement back to the game of football.
Adams may be a showman at heart, but is absolutely all business in the heat of the game. His physical dominance and outspoken personality are undoubtedly the reasons why Scott was selected by Demons as their #2 pick and the #11 overall in the league. Built like a truck, he is a striking figure, whose presence imposes a threat to the opposition and is a catalyst for his leadership among his teammates. When opposing teams enter Pac Bell Stadium, make no mistake; they’re in Adams’ house.
Adams hard-nosed play on the gridiron is similarly matched by a rugged life off the field. In the off-season, he spends time working on his ranch in the outskirts of Atlanta, and enjoys the competition and skill of hunting and fishing. A motorcycle enthusiast, Adams formerly did promotional duties for a couple of manufacturers, including Indian Motorcycle. In addition, Adams is a very disciplined athlete who recently capitalized from understanding of fitness by successfully launching his own line of nutritional supplements.
