Chris Bahn: Adams Provides Inspiration, Big Plays In Arkansas Victory

FAYETTEVILLE — Joe Adams tried his best to be optimistic the last three weeks. He was staying strong for family, friends and Arkansas teammates as doctors tried to figure out what caused him - an elite 19-year-old athlete - to suffer a "mild stroke."

Adams remained attentive in meetings. He cheered on teammates when he couldn't practice and did what he could to keep the mood light when others around him were worrying.

Only once did offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Paul Petrino see signs that the situation was wearing on Adams. Petrino received a call from Adams' mother in the wake of the Razorbacks' 23-20 loss at Florida.

Adams wanted to be on the field. He traveled with the team, but was unable to contribute as the Razorbacks failed to hold onto a lead against the nation's top team.

That hurt. And the sophomore from North Little Rock couldn't hide it.

"He was feeling bad," Petrino said. "In fact his mom called and said he was feeling like he let the team down. I just talked to him and said, ‘Hey, we all know as soon as you can be out there, you'll be out there. It's not your fault."

Adams returned Saturday and played like a guy trying to make up for lost time. He finished with 109 yards and 2 touchdowns on 3 catches in the 63-27 Razorbacks' victory, less than 72 hours after being cleared by doctors to play.

Even without the back-story Adams' performance was remarkable. And it was a major relief for Adams.

"I felt like a burden had been lifted off my chest," Adams said. "I came out and had a great game tonight."

Adams' return added some excitement to a day that otherwise went about like folks expected. There's a reason few fans showed and most of the 62,501 announced were gone in the third quarter as struggling Arkansas (4-4) faced winless Eastern Michigan (0-8).