Ishmael Adams likely to stay at receiver

Ishmael Adams made a transition to receiver from cornerback during the spring. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

Ishmael Adams made a transition to receiver from cornerback during the spring. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

On Tuesday’s Pac-12 coaches conference call, UCLA head coach Jim Mora said Ishmael Adams could be staying at receiver for the long haul after a stellar spring camp.

“Nothing is ever off the table, but it’s not something we’re looking at at this time,” Mora said of putting Adams back on defense. “Ish looks like he’s going to be such a threat offensively, you don’t want to overload him.”

Mora added that Adams could move back “if needed” as the team searches for ways to always get its best players on the field.

Mora praised Adams’ development as a route runner, calling the cornerback-turned-receiver a “gym rat” who studies film with receivers coach Eric Yarber constantly.

“He really developed as a route runner,” Mora said. “It’s not easy. It’s an art. There’s an art to running routes and it was real exciting to see the development he made as a route runner.”

Quarterback Josh Rosen and receiver Eldridge Massington both voiced their support of Adams’ move to offense, with the quarterback saying he definitely wants to keep Adams on offense and that his newest receiver “isn’t going anywhere.”