Rock Hill-South Pointe defensive end Eli Adams emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the state this fall.

The 2018 prospect finished with 18 sacks over 15 games, including one in the Stallions’ second straight AAA state championship.

“Coming in, I had doubts in myself, but I put that behind myself…that’s when I started getting sacks. That’s when I realized I’m better than I think I am,” Adams told TCI, after South Pointe’s 35-0 victory over Midland Valley.

Adams has already taken visits to both of the instate schools.

“I’ve come around, made my stops at Clemson and South Carolina. I have to, because I know Clemson is one of my favorite schools, especially that d-line,” he said.

Clemson hosted him in 2014 for the Syracuse game. He went to South Carolina in November for the Tigers’ 37-32 win.

Adams likes what Clemson has to offer.

“That family feel there and that d-line, how they play together,” he said.

The recruiting profile for the 5-foot-11, 230-pound sophomore is still growing.

“I just want to show all D-1 schools — not just Clemson and South Carolina — that I can play. My size might not be a d-lineman size, but you put me anywhere on the defense and I can play,” Adams said.

Despite his lack of size, Adams said it’s the speed that helps make him a successful pass rusher.

“I say that’s one thing, my speed — the offensive linemen, I react off the ball and not him. Once the ball is snapped, that’s when I go,” he said. “Sometimes, they can’t catch me.”