Promising Ole Miss Freshman Corey Adams Killed in Cordova Shooting
CORDOVA, Tenn. — Corey Adams had only just begun the next chapter of his life. A few weeks ago, he was in New Orleans, walking across the stage at Edna Karr High School. Friday night, his story ended far too soon — shot and killed in a Memphis suburb, just weeks before he was set to take the field for Ole Miss.
It happened in Cordova, a normally quiet community east of Memphis. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to gunfire around 10:15 p.m. near Fern Glade Cove. A vehicle was later stopped at a nearby intersection, and inside was Adams — 18 years old, shot, and unresponsive. Medics tried to save him, but it was too late.
Four other men also suffered gunshot wounds that night. They survived and were taken to nearby hospitals. Detectives found multiple shell casings at the scene. There’s still no word on what led to the violence.
The investigation remains open. No arrests have been made.
A Rising Star With Big Dreams
Adams wasn’t just a football player. He was a 6-foot-4 edge rusher, a kid with size, drive, and serious potential. Recruiters knew it. So did Adams. He had offers from powerhouse programs — Oregon, USC, TCU — but chose Ole Miss. Oxford felt like home. The SEC felt like his future.
“He was just getting started,” a former coach said Saturday. “He worked hard and stayed humble. That’s rare in someone his age.”
Ole Miss released a statement early Saturday afternoon:
“We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee. While our program is trying to cope with the tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The school said it would not comment further, out of respect for his family’s privacy.
Grief, Shock, and Questions
Back in New Orleans, the news spread fast. Teammates, teachers, and former coaches posted tributes on social media. One described Adams as “quiet but fearless.” Another wrote, “He deserved so much more time.”
In Oxford, the locker room was quiet. Grief like this doesn’t make sense to young men preparing for their first college season. It shouldn’t be part of the story.
Corey Adams had dreams. And in just a few seconds, they were gone — not on the football field, but on a neighborhood street under Tennessee skies.
If you know anything about what happened Friday night in Cordova, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help. Tips can be sent anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
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