Now Demon Deacons opponents are getting a glimpse of the redshirt freshman's flash and dash.

In Wake's 31-24 overtime victory over Maryland on Sept. 22, the former Cary High standout gained 91 yards on 20 carries and scored the winning touchdown in overtime.

That's the kind of productivity he hopes to sustain Saturday when the Deacons, who have struggled on offense and been turnover prone, visit Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium.

"Josh isn't a guy who has emerged lately,'' said Steed Lobotzke, Wake's offensive coordinator. "We've been excited about him a long time."

After recovering from a pre-season shoulder injury, Adams worked his way into the starting lineup and had his breakout performance against the Terps.

Overall, he has averaged 5.0 yards on 37 carries and added a much-needed element to Wake's running attack -- speed.

"He's got elusiveness and speed,'' Lobotzke said. "He was born to play that position."

The Deacons plan to hand him the ball Saturday against Duke, and they may throw it to him as well. Though pass plays haven't been diagrammed specifically for Adams, the coaches like for him to get touches in one-on-one matchups.

"When he catches it in space, the defense has to hold its breath a little,'' Lobotzke said.

But it's not all about running and catching. Pass blocking is a back's responsibility as well, and Adams is working to improve that facet of his game, one of the toughest for young backs to learn, Lobotzke said.

"He's doing really well, but you can always get better,'' Lobotzke said. "[But] we are excited about his productivity in the last game and his future."

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