The Eagles were 7-1. A division title was practically a formality, and they had bigger goals … and running-back issues. Darren Sproles was injured. LeGarrette Blount was struggling. Corey Clement was an undrafted rookie. Wendell Smallwood wasn't all that trustworthy. So at the trade deadline, they sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for Jay Ajayi, and a position that was once a question became a strength.
At around the same time, Adams, a Central Bucks South grad, was reaching the apex of his career at Notre Dame. On Oct. 28, in a victory over North Carolina State, he rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown, capping a four-game stretch in which he gained 670 yards, scored seven touchdowns, and averaged 10 yards a carry.