Cornerback Adrian Amos was a strong contributor last season as a true freshman for a Penn State pass defense that ranked third in the Big Ten. With the graduation of all four secondary starters, Amos will be a primary challenger for significant playing time on defense and special teams this fall and during the next three seasons. Amos spent some time at safety during spring drills, but will enter preseason camp battling for a starting assignment at cornerback. A former City Defensive Player-of-the-Year in Baltimore, Amos brings outstanding athleticism, skills, work ethic and instincts to the field and has a promising future. He is among 10 returning Nittany Lions from Maryland.
2011 Freshman Season
Amos appeared in every game at cornerback and on special teams, making one start. He totaled 13 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups and had five passes defended. He was one of four true freshmen to see action. In his first career game as a Nittany Lion, Amos made two tackles and returned an interception 46 yards against Indiana State. His pick came in the fourth quarter and set up an eventual Shane McGregor touchdown run to give Penn State a 41-0 lead. Amos made two tackles against Eastern Michigan and he had two tackles and two pass breakups in the Big Ten-opening game at Indiana. Amos made his first career start in the matchup against Iowa and recorded two tackles and one pass breakup. In a strong second-half defensive effort in the game at Northwestern, Amos made two tackles and a pass breakup. He also recorded two tackles against Houston in the TicketCity Bowl. Amos logged a total of 301 plays in 2011, including a career-high 70 against Iowa in his first career start.
High School
Amos led Calvert Hall College High School to the MIAA Class A Conference Championship and the No. 1 state ranking. As a senior for Coach Donald Davis, Amos recorded 78 tackles and four interceptions, while forcing three fumbles as a safety. He was named all-met and was Baltimore's City Defensive Player-of-the-Year.
Personal
Full name is Adrian Gerald Amos Jr. Born April 29, 1993.
