AFI’s All-Europe Team: Wide Receiver – Darrell Adams, Graz Giants

| American Football | 12/22/2021

Standing at 6’3″ and 225 pounds, Darrell Adams is an intimidating figure before he even steps on the field. But once you put on the tape, you start to see why he is without a doubt one of the most dominant receivers in Europe.

Adams played his college football at Azusa Pacific (NCAA DII) where in three seasons he caught 75 passes for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns. His rare combination of size and speed earned him some NFL interest from the then Oakland Raiders before his eventual move to Europe after discussions with his former Azusa Pacific teammate, and Danube Dragons quarterback, Chad Jeffries.

Adams went from strength to strength in his first year playing European football with the Graz Giants in the Austrian Football League. The Oakland, California, native led the AFL in both yards and touchdowns, racking up 823 yards and 11 touchdowns in just eight games.

Despite Graz losing to the Vienna Vikings in the first round of the playoffs in 2021, Adams gave them a scare with a 70-yard touchdown on the very first drive. Those naive enough to think they could single (and occasionally double) cover Adams, more times than not, saw him run into the endzone.

His ability to not only beat man coverage with his blazing speed but also shrug off would-be tacklers with his elite size and strength truly made him one of the most feared receivers in Europe this year.

Adams again signed for the Graz Giants for the 2022 season with his former Azusa Pacific quarterback, Tyrone Williams Jr. Look for him to again cause some seismic waves next season.

 

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.