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When making his college decision, Ryan Adams knew he wanted to stay close to home.

Because of that, Carson-Newman made his choice about as easy as they come.

On Wednesday in the Morristown East auditorium, Adams signed to continue his football and academic careers at Carson-Newman.

“It means a lot,” Adams said. “I went to Mount St. Joseph and it made me realize how far away everyone was. I just like the home atmosphere here. And my mamaw has been to every one of my games since I was four, so it means a lot that she can still be there for them.”

Along with it being close to home, Carson-Newman being a Christian university added to Adams’ love for the school and why he ultimately chose to be an Eagle.

“I like the fact that they’re a big Christian school because I’d like to grow closer to God in my walk with Him,” Adams said. “That and that they’re still in Tennessee played a huge part.”

Adams has been a big part of the Morristown East football program over the past two seasons, starring alongside Ethan Ledford at running back.

Adams started the season strong during his junior season in 2021 but broke his hand just a few games in. While he was able to return late in the year and finished the season with 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns, it was a tough blow not being able to be out there with the team and being forced to watch from the sideline.

“It was really difficult because I felt like I could have done more if I was out there,” Adams said. “I felt like I let everyone down.”

Coming into his senior season this past year, Adams was motivated to make up for his junior season and did so in a big way. Adams led the team in rushing with 951 yards and found the end zone 13 times on the ground. He also caught seven passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Adams was a big part of East’s late-season charge to the playoffs. In the playoff-clinching game against William Blount, Adams had 139 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

For Adams, being a part of that team and being able to make the playoffs was a great way to cap off his high school career.

“That was a big moment,” Adams said. “This year, I came back and got to go to the playoffs. I ended the year with 15 touchdowns, and that really boosted my confidence going into college.”

Going into the year and knowing that opposing teams were really going to focus on Ethan Ledford, Morristown East coach Caleb Slover was grateful to have Adams in the backfield alongside Ledford and produce the way he did.

“He’s been a huge asset for us, especially the last couple of years,” Slover said. “He really came in and took a big load for us this past year. We knew people were going to key in on Ethan (Ledford) more, and Ryan was able to excel and take over the reins a little more and get some more carries. He did a phenomenal job and was our leading rusher and led the team in rushing touchdowns. I feel like he is a complete guy that can catch the ball, run it hard and well and I think he’ll fit in well at Carson-Newman.”

Adams still has a few months left at Morristown East but is already looking forward to his time at C-N.

“I’m looking forward to proving what I can do,” Adams said. “I’m getting redshirted my first year, so I can’t wait to get out there and prove what I can do my second year and try and grab a starting position.”