Former Power DB Joins Jets
By Matt Popchock
It looks like Revis Island will have a visitor this off-season.
93-7 The Fan has learned that former Pittsburgh Power defensive back Royce Adams has officially signed with the New York Jets.
Adams, a 23-year-old Purdue alumnus, played eight games with the Power during their inaugural Arena Football League season last year before leaving for an opportunity with the UFL. He registered 51.5 tackles, including 47 solo, while forcing one fumble and seven pass breakups in that span.
In five of his starts, the team held the opposing offense below the league scoring average.
"It's been a long wait, but I finally got my shot. God is good...now it's time to show that I can be one of the best in the game," Adams said through Facebook Wednesday.
He had sent film to practically every NFL team, including the Steelers, and when the Jets received it, they promptly signed him up for a Dec. 26 workout. On Monday the team contacted Adams' agent intending to offer a contract.
This isn't the first time that organization has tapped into the AFL for talent either. Wide receiver Jamarko Simmons of the ArenaBowl XXIV champion Jacksonville Sharks signed a practice squad deal with the Jets some time around Halloween.
In addition, former Arizona Rattlers defensive back Isaiah Trufant will keep Adams company while they fight for jobs this spring and summer. He was re-signed by the Jets prior to the 2011 campaign after making his NFL debut with them on the final weekend of the 2010 regular season, and he scored a touchdown off a blocked punt in New York's Sept. 11 opener against Dallas.
Adams was a presence in the Power's lineup last season, so it appears the Jets have added quality depth to what was already a position of strength.
(Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/mpopchock)
