NOT YOUR USUAL "SWIFTIE"

THE TOWER, BIG BEN

by Larry Carlson for Https://texaslsn.org

It takes a big man to admit that he is an ardent fan of Taylor Swift, a true "Swiftie" who gleefully sings along to her lyrics while he drives.  And Ben Adams has been big a long, long time.  Big in stature, big in Longhorn football, very big on family life.

He came to Austin as a Los Angeles area kid, an only child raised by a single mom in suburban La Mirada.  He left Texas five years later as a 6-5, 315-pound All-America guard who greatly assisted fellow Californian Ricky Williams as the dreadlocked one raced and pounded his way to become college football's all-time leading rusher and the Heisman Trophy winner.

So it has been a quarter-century since Ben Adams, who would now be described by Steve Sarkisian as "a large human being," launched his post-college days.  First came several seasons with the Miami Dolphins, then a starting spot on a championship team in NFL Europe.  Following a knee injury, Adams moved to coaching (high school and college), landing in Michigan at Division II Saginaw Valley State University.  It was there that the former college star met a lady named Jill.  Naturally, she was the cheerleading coach.  She and Ben married and are the proud and happy parents of three daughters.  Ahhh, the influence of the good life among four females.  Go ahead and cue a Taylor swift hit.  But there's a lot more to the Ben Adams journey.

Adams left coaching after several seasons and promotions and has worked in the insurance field for many years.  He's a Claims Operations Consultant for Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance.  When he joined TLSN's Board of Directors last fall, I was eager to interview him, having remembered Ben as a standout three-year starter who played and excelled during the very different coaching regimes of John Mackovic and Mack Brown on Texas teams that played bowl games in the Sun, the Sugar, the Fiesta and the Cotton.

"By trade, I'm an offfensive lineman and by heart, lurking in the shadows and not wanting attention," Ben told me, "just a cold beer after a win."  But Adams graciously consented to some phone calls and a Q&A session, laughing and saying that, by opening up, perhaps he'll be on the record for future grandkids.

Big Ben, by the way, admires both head coaches he played for at UT and remains forever impressed by the "team first" attitude of Ricky Williams.  One particular play from the classic Texas win at Nebraska in '98 is seared into Adams's memory.

"Major (Applewhite) threw an interception and Ricky 'hawked' the Cornhusker who intercepted the ball and saved a pick-six from happening," Ben recalls.  "Our offensive line coach, Tim Nunez, rewound and replayed Ricky's play eight or ten times during film review (that next week)."  

That's just one nugget from Adams and his review of the 1994-98 seasons he spent at The Forty Acres. So enjoy the interview that follows and learn which of Ben's  Longhorn teammates could do the splits, find out why Ben didn't join Ricky in the end zone celebration following Williams' record-setting run against A&M. and which position group determined "a valid fajita" in competitive eating events.  You'll also get the skinny  on why Ben, who holds a degree in history from UT, would choose the infamous and forgotten president Andrew Johnson for one of his three allotted "dream" interviews.

Meet big Ben Adams, an open-minded renaissance man who listed The Beastie Boys and Rage Against The Machine as music favorites for a UT media guide in the mid-'90s, and at 48 is secure enough to claim his bona fides as a devoted "Swiftie."

 TLSN:  You talked about being a USC fan growing up.  What was the reaction from friends, high school teammates, and relatives when you picked Texas?

BEN:  Growing up in Southern California, raised by a single mother without any siblings, football wasn't really on my radar until I entered high school. My original passion was basketball, which I played throughout my youth. It was only during my senior year that I began to realize the potential for a scholarship. When USC offered me a scholarship during the summer of my senior year, I started to become a fan of the Trojans, particularly their offensive and defensive lines, specifically Tony Boselli and Willie McGinest. When I eventually committed to Texas during my visit and informed my family and coaches of my decision, I did encounter some resistance. USC was disappointed as they believed I was a sure bet, given that I had attended all their home games that fall. My coaches supported my decision but were somewhat surprised, possibly because of my background, being raised by a single parent without any siblings, and the assumption that I would stay close to home.

Fortunately, my relatives supported my decision from the beginning and wanted what was best for me. I recall having some doubts after a call from John Robinson, the head coach of USC after I committed to Texas. Shortly after that call, (UT assistant) Steve Bernstein reached out to check on me. Feeling young and frustrated by the pushback from USC, I shared my concerns with Coach Bernstein. I remember him immediately passing the phone to Coach Pat Watson, and our conversation took on a more serious tone. With his deep voice and convincing Southern accent, I realized that I had made the right decision. As a funny side note, during Texas' Pro Day (when Ben was under scrutiny for the pros), the coach who had been recruiting me for USC was also present, having moved on to the NFL. He approached me, reintroduced himself, and commented along the lines of, "I guess you made the RIGHT decision."

TLSN:  Growing up in the L.A. area, how much of a "Cali guy" were you?  Were you ever the West Coast's biggest surfer or skateboard king or anything?  And to go with that, Austin is THE most Cali-like place in the South.  But what, if anything, did you have to adjust to...or what were you pleasantly surprised by in Texas?

BEN:  Growing up in the L.A. area, I wasn't exactly the quintessential "Cali guy." I wasn't a surfer catching waves or a skateboarder, although I did have a skateboard at one point. Instead, I was more of a "gym rat," always on the lookout for pick-up basketball games at the local park or high school gym, and squeezing in a workout whenever I could. When I made the transition to Austin, I found it to be an entirely different experience. I instantly fell in love with the city. I remember driving with Coach Bernstein during my visit from the airport to campus down I-35 and being awestruck by the massive football stadium right there next to the freeway. It left quite an impression on me. Austin, in many ways, feels like its own world within the state of Texas. I enjoyed the live music scene on 6th Street, the unique college pubs ... Posse East was a personal favorite...and most importantly, the people. There was a refreshing authenticity to the folks I met in Austin, without the pressure to conform to cowboy boots and cowboy hats that one might associate with Texas.

TLSN:  You had told me earlier about Coach Bernstein being such a dogged recruiter...what were the key selling points that sold you on the Longhorns?

BEN:  He was incredibly transparent throughout the recruiting process and made me feel like I would be a great fit at UT. One of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the constant communication from Coach Bernstein. Almost every day during the recruiting cycle, I would come home to my apartment and find a piece of mail from him. These could be handwritten postcards, printed articles about Texas Football, or even the Media Guide. This level of dedication and personalization in his approach made me feel valued and important to the program. Coach Bernstein also emphasized the fact that they were bringing in five offensive linemen in my class, and I would be one of them. This highlighted the opportunity for me to be part of a strong offensive line unit. Additionally, he mentioned that I would have the chance to redshirt my first year, which was something I felt I needed for my development. On a personal level, Coach Bernstein's approach was very personable, and my family had a high regard for him based on how he handled my recruitment. I also appreciated that he took the time to come and watch me play basketball, even if it was just a practice. It showed that he cared not only about me as a football player but also as an individual. All of these factors combined to make me feel confident in my decision to choose the University of Texas, and Coach Bernstein played a significant role in making that choice a reality.

TLSN:  At Texas, Dan Neil was an All-America pick two years before you were.  What do you remember about Dan, on and/or off the field?

BEN:  Dan Neil left a lasting impression both on and off the field during my time at Texas, particularly during my sophomore year when I started at left guard. In terms of his football prowess, Dan was truly an anomaly. I admired him greatly and tried to emulate his qualities, even though our body types were quite different. What stood out the most was his incredible flexibility, as he could effortlessly do the splits. His explosiveness was off the charts, and his approach to the game was always business-like and focused. I have a distinct memory of facing off against defensive tackle Shane Rink during one-on-one pass protection drills in practice. Shane had a knack for using leverage and his hands effectively, and he consistently bested me in those situations. However, it was a different story when I saw Dan going up against Shane in the same drills. Dan possessed a remarkable center of gravity and a natural knee bend, and as a result, I never saw him lose in one-on-one pass protection. What truly set Dan apart was his ability to play for several years with the Denver Broncos as a 285-pound lineman. He redefined the perception of what an offensive lineman could be in terms of athleticism. 

TLSN:  You were part of the first really BIG group of O-linemen at UT...big and tall....you, Jay Humphrey, Octavious Bishop, Russell Gaskamp. the young Leonard Davis, to name a few.  What made the units you played for so successful?

BEN:  One key factor was the motivation we drew from each other. We were a close-knit group, and our focus was often more on what our fellow linemen thought of our performance in the weight room, at practice, or during games, rather than what the coaches thought. This sense of accountability and camaraderie pushed us to constantly strive for improvement. Another important aspect was our humility. While we knew we were a talented group, we never let it go to our heads. We were aware of our good fortune in blocking for exceptional running backs like Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes, and Shon Mitchell. Additionally, the presence of multiple offensive line coaches over the years played a significant role in our success. Each coach brought their unique coaching style and expectations to the table. I recall our 1994 group having Coach Watson in our first year, followed by Coach Deal, and concluding with Coach Nunez in our senior year. These coaches helped us develop our skills, refine our techniques, and adapt to different coaching philosophies, which ultimately contributed to our success as a unit.

TLSN:  Did y'all ever go out and bust any buffets?  How much chow did you growing young men consume at the training table?  Any memorable events?

BEN:  Oh, absolutely! We definitely enjoyed some memorable dining experiences during our time at UT. Chinese buffets and the endless pasta at Olive Garden were among our favorites. But one place that stands out in my memory is the Bombay Bicycle Club, or a similar restaurant with all-you-can-eat fajitas. The linemen had a unique tradition at this place. Our goal was simple: determine who could eat the most fajitas. However, there were some initial debates on what constituted a valid fajita, taking into account the amount of meat, vegetables, and condiments included. To settle these disputes, we brought along a kicker to act as our "Fajita Judge." It turned into a fun and competitive event, with each of us trying to outdo the others in terms of fajita consumption.

TLSN:  When we talked earlier, you told me that Major Applewhite, as a redshirt freshman, impressed you as a senior because of his confidence.  You played most of your time at UT with James Brown at QB.  What was he like as a leader and teammate?

BEN:  One of James's standout qualities was his unwavering positivity. He had a remarkable ability to stay calm and composed in the huddle, which helped instill confidence in the entire team. What truly set him apart was his habit of offering real-time, immediate positive feedback to the offensive line and individual players during a drive. Whether it was a simple "Great Job OL" or singling out a specific player like "Great job, Ben, with that block," these gestures went a long way in boosting morale and motivation. It's true that real-time positive reinforcement can be far more effective than waiting for feedback in a film room days later.

TLSN:  You were at UT for four years with John Mackovic as head coach, then played your last season for Mack Brown.  Looking back, how much did their very different personalities affect the identity of those Texas teams?

BEN:  The personalities of Coach Mackovic and Coach Brown were strikingly different. I know Coach Brown did a lot for Texas Football, but I owe a lot of my success to Coach Mackovic. Although he was very businesslike most of the time, he was approachable. His offensive system was very complex, and you had to be on your toes to understand protections, play-action pass concepts, and the counterplay.

Every high school I have coached at I have brought Counter Play to the playbook based on what I learned from Coach Mackovic. As far as the identities of the teams, I can only speak for myself as to how much of a relief it was when Coach Brown came in and did not try to reinvent the wheel, even if it did need reinventing at the time. We hit the ground running my senior year, figuratively and literally. 

TLSN:  Ben, your last home game was one for the ages...Ricky got the NCAA all-time record and y'all beat a top ten A&M team with just seconds left.  What do you recall most about that day or one of the other most memorable games as a Longhorn?

BEN:  About 'The Run', all I can remember is that he broke a long run, broke the record, and that I did not want to run all the way to the end zone to celebrate because I was too tired. I do remember congratulating Ricky on the run on the sideline. We ended that game with a game winning field goal. Beating A&M was alway the end goal of a season. Regarding other games, the two Nebraska wins in the Big 12 Championship (1996) and 1998 game) stand out. I was a sophomore playing next to another sophomore, Octavius Bishop, during the Big 12 Championship Game. We held our own versus the likes of Jason Peters and that Black Shirt Defense. Very proud of that win. The win in 1998, breaking their 47-game home winning streak is a memory I will never lose. Walking off the field with all the Nebraska fans giving us a standing ovation was satisfying. That game will forever hold a place in my heart. 

TLSN:  I always ask this in these TLSN interviews.  You already mentioned Posse East...what were some of your favorite places to eat or get a cold one while you were at UT, and who were your best buddies?   Was anybody the wittiest or the ringleader of dorm fun back in the day?

BEN:  After the mandatory 3 years in Jester East Dorms, I mainly hung out and roomed with (center) Russell Gaskamp and Travis Wood off campus. We were fond of the local pubs around campus. I remember Russell worked at Posse East and we would all hang out there and eat and drink .. great burgers and fries. On Sixth Street we would hang out at a bar named Touche's for cheap drinks and good times. Russell was the ringleader of our group while Travis was the wittiest. I just tried to have the most fun. 

TLSN:  You spent time in the NFL with some practice squads, then won a championship with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe.  I know you blocked for Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.  What memories burn brightest from that time before you tore up a knee and left football?

BEN:  The relationships I built with the various teammates I had at the stops in my football career were the brightest burning memories. NFL Europe was a blast mainly because I could hold my own against the competition as it was fairly even for a developmental league. Germany is beautiful, and the food is amazing, as well as the beer. Danny was another tremendous leader to play with. One of my fondest memories of Danny was during a Friday practice during a 2-minute hurry-up session. The defense had been taking it to us all day and letting us know about it. The offensive coaches were frustrated, as well as the offensive players. We were nearing the end of the practice and had to finish with a 2-minute drill vs. the number 1 defense. Danny was tired of hearing it from the defense, as you could see it in his eyes in the huddle at the beginning of the drill. He continued to take us on a 6 to 8 play drive down the field, one completion after another, hitting our tight end over the middle for a touchdown. It was a great competitive moment that I will never forget by a great competitive leader.

TLSN:  What has changed about offensive line play since a quarter-century ago at UT?  I know Texas has had difficulties in getting a push in short-yardage situations in recent years....and by the way, what are your thoughts on the popularity of the "tush push?"

BEN:  I think the technique with the position has evolved exponentially since I played. I did not get a lot of technique feedback in high school and then received a ton at Texas. What I see these O-linemen do these days is absolutely remarkable. The balance they need to be able to shift from a run play to pass play during a cadence is amazing. I think coaches are also asking them to do a lot more these days versus when I played. Complex requests such as making split decisions based on the most dangerous threats, requiring the same physicality coming out of a 3-point stance while in a 2-point stance, and identifying D-B blitz tendencies, just to name a few. With regards to the 'tush push', I am all for it. however, the name needs changing.

TLSN:  Having coached high school and Division II ball at Saginaw Valley State (Michigan) is there a generation gap between coaches and college players, and do coaches have to bend to the times quite a bit?

BEN:  There is an inherent generation gap with coaches and players. I dealt with it daily as a high school coach. Kids want to play video games and feel comfortable. Football does not allow that. Coaches have to adapt to this ecology because the kids will not adapt to the coaches. I think many kids who play football lack confidence, I know I did during high school and in college. If you can just be positive with kids these days and provide teaching moments with consistent communication versus yelling at them all day, you are more likely to see gains the coaches and kids both are expecting. They just need to be validated as we all do. 

TLSN:  You've told me that you try to keep up with some former Texas teammates by Linkedin and such.  Any particular friendships maintained and/or any guys you know of who have been successful in unusual career choices?

BEN:  I know Russell Gaskamp is a collegiate football coach (Franklin Pierce U in New Hampshire). Very happy for him. Travis Wood works in the financial sector. Jay Humphrey is a Chiropractor in Dallas. Octavious Bishop is a professor. I think all of us ended up being productive and successful Texas Alumni. It can be tough keeping in contact with former collegiate teammates, being separated geographically. Hoping one day the five of us can get a burger and beer at Posse East. 

TLSN:  When you have a little spare time, how do you like to spend it?  Any particular areas of reading interest?  What kind of music do you listen to?

BEN:  I spend a lot of spare time with the family and friends we have made here over the years in Saginaw. My wife's aunt has a house on a lake here in Michigan and we spend a lot of our summer there on the weekends. I read a lot of Sci-Fi novels, and have been a Sci Fi fan my whole life. With regards to music, I am proud to say as a girl dad, I am a Swiftie, a Taylor Swift fan.

TLSN:  That is very cool.  Do you and your wife and daughters have any other particular favorite vacation spots or weekend getaways?

  BEN:  When Nancy and Stella were still in High School, we would travel to Gulf Shores, Alabama during spring break every year. Such a wonderful family-oriented vacationing spot. Now that Nancy is out of school and Stella is in college, we are working to find new spring break opportunities for Maggie.  She's 11 years old. 

TLSN:  You earned a degree in history at UT, not the average degree path for a scholarship football player.  I'm a big, big history buff so I want to ask you one question on the topic.  If you could sit down and converse and dine with any three historical figures who would they be and why?

BEN:  Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S Grant, and Andrew Johnson.  I was a big fan of Civil War and Reconstruction era history.  I remember having a summer class at Texas one year about this subject.  It was extremely hot and I was living off-campus, having to take a bus to class.  I would arrive drenched in perspiration and not many students would sit next to me.  It was a large auditorium class with over a hundred students.  The professor would routinely ask the class (to answer) questions to get involvement.  With that many students, I was initially wary to engage, in fear of satisfying the "dumb jock" stigma with any incorrect answer.  As class progressed throughout the summer, the topics introduced became very interesting to me.  I was enthralled with the North-South battles, reasons for secession and carpetbaggers.  To this day, I remember that class and subject the most.

TLSN:  I usually wrap up interviews with this one, Ben:  What is something that most people wouldn't know about Ben Adams, businessman, former player and coach, busy husband and dad?

BEN:  Looking forward to my oldest daughter Nancy getting married this year. Being an only child raised by my mother only, I never thought I would have a family. Now here I sit with a beautiful wife and 3 wonderful daughters, happy in life with more to come. I still get goosebumps when watching football and seeing an offensive tackle land a solid punch on a defensive end in pass protection. However, I get the same goosebumps driving in the car with the family singing Taylor Swift songs, word for word.