Star running back remains humble, even after selections to reputable exhibitions
Robbinsville – Cuttler Adams has been a busy man as of late.
Realizing his potential to play at the next level, the perennial Black Knights running threat has turned up the heat on his quest to improve throughout 2023. In a July 25 interview with The Graham Star, Adams revealed that 28 different colleges have already expressed interest in bringing him aboard when he departs from Robbinsville after this season; two have made offers, Catawba Community College and Yale University; and countless workouts, combines and showcases have opened eyes across the Eastern Seaboard.
But it was two appointments Adams fulfilled over the summer that have opened more-recent doors for the highly-touted back, who has already recorded 490 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in four games for the 4-0 Black Knights this year.
Adams paid a visit to the Blue/Grey All-American Combine in Greensboro on May 20 – an exhibition he was selected for in 2021 – and he quickly thereafter found himself trying out for the esteemed Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, held annually in Spartanburg, S.C.
On Sept. 7, it was announced that Adams was included on the roster for the Blue/Grey All-American Bowl Game, which will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (suburban Dallas) on Jan. 8, 2024. He was selected from a field of over 6,500 athletes from across the nation and will suit up for the East team in the clash, which will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Monday, he received confirmation of his presence being needed at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, which will take place Saturday, Dec. 16 at Spartanburg High School’s Vikings Stadium.
And yet, even a pair of invites to such prestigious events cannot deter the Atoah native from his top priority.
“Above all things, the Lord got my name out there,” Adams said Monday. “It’s always been a dream to make the all-American Bowl and play on ESPN. I’ve always wanted to play in the Shrine Bowl – and the Lord blessed me with both.”
But with both showcases on the horizon, Adams and the Robbinsville Black Knights are maintaining their focus on the present. A visit from a renowned program – Rabun Gap (Ga.) – is on tap for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday. The game will be live-streamed at grahamstarsports.com.
Adams’ hot start to the year has cut his pursuit of the all-time school (and conference) rushing standard to under 1,000 yards, which Robbinsville alum Rylee Anderson set between 2016-19: 6,164.
Entering Friday’s game with the Eagles, Adams sits at 5,184.
“I definitely want to thank (Robbinsville head) coach (Dee) Walsh and all the coaches for all they have done for me, and the coaches that elected me,” Adams said of his selections.
“I am so excited about this opportunity and so fired up about it. I cannot wait to play with some great players in the games.
“I want to thank my parents for always pushing me and always keeping me in church; to keep the Lord first in everything. Above all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior for this wonderful opportunity.
“Hard work pays off; believe and have faith.”