Gaines Adams attended Cambridge Academy in Greenwood, South Carolina where he played for former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill. Adams was a three-year starter at Cambridge where they play eight-man football, starting at both receiver and defensive end. Adams led Cambridge to a state championship as a senior, catching 57 passes for 1,680 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, the then 6-4 215 pound Adams totaled 78 tackles, 14 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He was a two-time all-state performer who finished his career with 158 receptions for 4,394 yards and 65 touchdowns on offense. On defense he had 341 career tackles to go along with 10 interceptions and 33 sacks. Gaines spent the 2001 season at Fork Union prep school where he reluctantly played strictly on defense, totaling 58 tackles, 22 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 10 games. Adams was recruited by Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. He was set to attend North Carolina until their recruiter left and the school lost interest. He ended up going to Clemson where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. He saw action as a reserve defensive end the following season, finishing with 15 tackles and 1 sack on the year. As a sophomore he totaled 35 tackles and finished second on the team in sacks with 5. He also was a standout special teams player, blocking two punts on the year. He was the first defensive end in school history to block two punts in a season. He received the team’s 12th man award which is given to the best non-starter on defense. Gaines developed into one of the top defensive ends in the nation as a junior, finishing with 56 tackles and 9 ½ sacks on the year. He was named honorable mention all-ACC for his performance as a junior. Gaines had a chance to enter the 2006 NFL draft, but opted to return to Clemson for his senior season.

Gaines Adams is a versatile player who has started the past three seasons at Clemson. Adams played the bandit end position the past two seasons which allowed him to play defensive end and linebacker, as well as dropping back into coverage at times. He has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive lineman off the snap. He is an outstanding pass rusher who explodes off the ball and has good closing speed getting to the quarterback. His speed also allows him to chase running backs down from behind in the backfield. He has great awareness and always seems to be around the football. He is a solid run defender who displays good tackling technique. His athletic ability allows him to rush the passer or drop back into coverage on passing downs. He routinely takes on two blockers, freeing up his teammates to make plays. He could be more stout against the run and needs to do a better job of getting off blocks and learn to use leverage to his advantage. At 6-5, Adams has the frame to get bigger and may want to bulk up and increase his strength. As it is he can be outmuscled by stronger offensive linemen at times. Gaines Adams is a versatile player who could play outside linebacker or defensive end at the next level. He has a chance to be the top defensive lineman selected and should be a first round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.