ANTIOCH — Andre Adams doesn't quite know where the time went.
In roughly three months, his illustrious career as Antioch's quarterback will come to an end, as he'll embark on a new journey at Colorado under coach Deion Sanders, where he'll be an early enrollee after committing last April.
Adams marked his final home opener on Aug. 28, leading the Bears (2-0) to a 28-26 win over East Nashville (1-1) as he completed 15-of-21 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards and a pair of scores.
"It's coming faster than what I expected," Adams said of his departure. "I'll be up there in January. I have a teacher that tells me every day, just soak it in. Every time I touch the field just soak it in. Last Week 1 game, last week.
Last home opener this week. She just tells me to soak it in, so I've been doing a bunch of that."
It's hard to define just how impactful Adams' injection has been for the Bears' football program. Antioch had won just two games in the six seasons prior to his freshman year, but Adams made quick work turning the Bears into a postseason contender.
He was a Mr. Football finalist in Class 6A in 2025, leading Antioch to a 10-2 record and second-round playoff appearance, a feat last achieved by the Bears almost two decades prior.
His decision to enroll early at Colorado felt more a necessity than an option, with goals of one day emerging as the Buffaloes' starter.
"Last year I talked about it with my mom and my dad. We came to the conclusion that it was the best thing for me," Adams said. "Especially how the quarterback position is played now, it's near a mandatory thing ... (I'll be able to) get familiar with the playbook, teammates, coaches, everything."
Knowing the advantages an early arrival at Colorado would provide, Adams grinded through summer classes in an effort to graduate by December. He'll be in Boulder while his class enjoys the typical senior year festivities. Adams said Colorado will allow him to return home for graduation and prom but Adams' priorities may be elsewhere.
"I don't really care for school events," he joked. "They're cool, but it is what it is."
Adams' father Kenny, Antioch's offensive coordinator, has joined his son in soaking in what will be their final season together, while doing his best to ensure that season stretches deep through playoffs into December.
"I'm proud of him," Kenny Adams said. "I've got to understand to stay in the moment. Be in the moment. I experienced it with my older son. I had him for two years and he left, now I'm looking back like, I'll never get those days back. I'm definitely cherishing it."
Harrison Campbell covers high school sports for The Daily Herald and The Tennessean. Email him at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Colorado football commit Andre Adams soaking up final TSSAA football season
