By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Hunter Adams was one of many qualified candidates that submitted a resume to express interest in the head football coach opening at Stanhope Elmore High School. On December 13, 2022, he was selected as the 8th coach in the school’s history.
Adams has served two stints as the Mustangs’ defensive coordinator. He coached under former Coach Jeff Foshee in 2011. He then served as Head Coach at Holtville High School for five seasons before returning to Stanhope Elmore as defensive coordinator, a position he has held since 2017.
Adams knew the reputation and tradition of the Stanhope Elmore football program long before he served as a coach. Graduating from Elmore County High School in Eclectic, Adams played middle linebacker for several Panther teams that squared off against the Mustangs. Following a successful high school career, Adams played at Troy University from 2001 – 2005.
The reputation that he remembers is a team that played hard-nosed defense and was physical and strong on offense. He wants to mirror those same qualities in his teams. He has accomplished that in many of his defensive teams the last few years, with several defensive lineman earning scholarships to Division 1 schools, to include KJ Stokes to Purdue, TJ Jackson to Troy, William Whitlow to Memphis, and current senior JaQuize Buycks who is committed to Liberty.
For his future defense, he praised several returning players. “Desmond Barnes tore his ACL in Week 3. He was leading the team in every defensive stat at that time. Then you have DeShaun Caffee. He has exceptional range and ability to cover in space. And I’m excited about Donnie Arnold. He led the region in sacks and will contribute heavily next season.”
For offense, Adams wants to accentuate the team’s strengths, which includes the return several offensive linemen with experience, strong running backs, and an experienced quarterback in two-year starter Jacob Bryant. Asked specifically what his goals are for Bryant next year, Adams explained that he wants Bryant to work on a quick release, but also to become a more effective and decisive runner.
Adams expects to have the entire coaching staff in place prior to Spring Training. “I expect after Christmas you will hear about several spots being filled. They will be ready before Spring Training next season.”
He approaches the task with an old-school mentality. “I take pride in the physical training. The lifting and conditioning. I want a lot of effort. We will work hard to establish chemistry.
After Stanhope Elmore failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons, Adams knows that next season will feature the same region opponents from 2022. “Anytime you incorporate the Montgomery city schools (Lanier and Carver) you know they will be athletic and physical. Pike Road has done a great job acquiring talent. Wetumpka had a new coach this year that had his team ready and prepared to play every week. There are no easy games.”
The 2023 season will feature the same teams as 2022, with the locations swapped. Adams’ first game as Head Coach at Stanhope Elmore will be in August 2023 when the Mustangs go on the road to take on Shades Valley.
