Adkins was a fighting force for the Cardinals in 1965 and ’66, both years the Cardinals competed in the Junior Rose Bowl. He earned All-Conference and All-American honors. While Adkins was a player for the Cardinals, the team went 19-1.
  He was instrumental to the Cardinals’ 40-13 Junior Rose Bowl victory in 1966 against Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif.
Adkins moved directly in to professional football from HCJC. He played for the Ottawa Rough Riders as a wide receiver, and in 1969 was named to the league’s All-Star team after setting a regular season record for the average gain-per-pass reception. His record of 25.0 yards would stand for 28 years.
  After two years in Canada, Adkins returned to his hometown and was drafted in the second round of the 1970 National Football League draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He joined the Cowboys for the 1970 season and stayed to be a part of the 1971 Super Bowl winning team.
  He left the Cowboys in 1972 and moved on to the New Orleans Saints. That year, he led the team in kickoff returns with 1,020 yards and a 23.7 average carry. He returned 42 kickoffs that season.