OXNARD, CA — Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Junior Adams is no stranger to developing top-tier offensive talent. Before joining head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s staff this season, Adams honed his skills at the collegiate level, shaping the careers of players like Cooper Kupp at Eastern Washington and Puka Nacua at Washington. His tenure with the Oregon Ducks saw him not only serve as wide receivers coach but also as co-offensive coordinator, where he played a key role in the development of Tez Johnson, Kenyon Sadiq, and recent Los Angeles Rams draftee, Terrance Ferguson.
Looking back at his time with Tez Johnson, Adams reflects on the player’s growth mindset.
“That’s a great comment by Tez. It’s very humbling,” Adams said of Johnson calling him the best wide receivers coach in the league. “And guys like that make me better, too. I learn from them; we learn from each other. It’s kind of like iron sharpens iron. But what I saw from Tez is just a guy who’s about a growth mindset. He’s willing to get better every day as he’s about the details. And he pushed me to help him get better every day. But obviously, he’s got some God-given ability, right? He’s quick, he’s fast. And for a statuary, he’s really tough as well.“
Adams also shared insights on Kenyon Sadiq’s elevating college career, and the current Oregon co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Drew Mehringer, for his work.
“One thing about Kenyon out of high school, an ex-player of mine was his seven-on-seven coach and trained him. So there’s some familiarity there. He comes from a good mom, a good household. He’s a great kid. Obviously, super athletic. In his three to four years that he’s been there, [Oregon co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach] Drew Mehringer has done a heck of a job developing him on the intricacies of playing the position of tight end and just teaching him football. But Kenyon, he’s another one who has that growth mindset. And I salute Drew because he’s done a heck of a job with him.“
Terrance Ferguson was drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Rams, looking to cement his status as a rising star. Adams witnessed Ferguson’s dedication firsthand for years.
“When you look at a young man like Terrence Ferguson, now he’s in the league. The work ethic, the preparation, the film study is something that you saw early on, that we are just now seeing out of him. That’s my dog!” Adams said, smiling.
“Super athletic man. If you truly, really watch him, he’s got some basketball game to him. I mean, some of the best pair of hands I’ve been around. I remember at a young age, Coach Mehringer would literally be on him like white on rice. About how to practice and being consistent in practice, he’s taken to the details of running routes and being crafty at the top of the route break. Again, he’s another one of those guys who are sponges that want more and more information. So I’m excited for him. I’m happy for him, and he’s going to have a great opportunity with the Rams.“
Adams also credited Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning for his impact on his coaching philosophy and development over the years.
“Oregon was great for me. Dan Lanning is a really good friend of mine. I mean, every day he’s consistent. He brings the energy, he brings the juice, and he gets you better. Dan is one of those guys who can coach. Probably every position on the field, including special teams. And being around guys like that, they, you know, they rub off on you. You know, they drive you to get better each day. And I was very, very, fortunate to be able to work with Dan and very blessed.“
With a new chapter started in Dallas, there is no denying the impact that Junior Adams has had on various collegiate programs, and his legacy continues through the players who excel on the next level.
