West Bladen’s Hezekiah Adams Commits to Livingstone College
- Austin Smith
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Bladenboro, NC - West Bladen senior Hezekiah “Heze” Adams has officially committed to Livingstone College to continue his football career at the next level.
April 8th marked his signing day, a milestone moment in a journey filled with hard work, perseverance, and faith.
A true athlete in every sense, Hezekiah has showcased his talents across multiple sports throughout his high school career.
On the football field, he’s been a Swiss Army knife—lining up as a defensive back, wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner, and kick returner. Whatever role his team needed, Heze filled it.
Basketball fans at West Bladen know him as a four-year varsity starter, playing the combo guard and shooting guard positions. He helped lead the Knights to a 24-2 record during his junior season and a remarkable 27-2 run his senior year, capped off with a trip to the 2A Eastern Regional Finals.
Hezekiah’s athletic career didn’t stop there. He also competed in baseball and soccer, proving himself as one of the most versatile athletes in Bladen County.
When asked how it feels to be heading to the next level, Hezekiah was honest about the road it took to get there.
“It was a stressful process in recruiting—the transfer portal added to that—it hit hard,” he shared. “After everything played out, I am very grateful for having support, God in my life, and Him making it possible for me.”
His mother, Latoya Adams, reflected on the journey with pride:
“All his blessings have come to life, that is what I can say.”
Rick Whitaker, Hezekiah’s stepfather, echoed the sentiment, proud of what Heze has accomplished both on and off the field.
Though Coach Preston Worley only had the chance to coach Hezekiah for one season, it was more than enough time to make a lasting impression.
“Wherever Heze goes, he will excel,” said Worley. “He keeps God first and is an exceptional young man who keeps his grades up and is a great teammate. That’s just the man part of it. On the football side, he’ll contribute, work hard, and he has great work ethic and focus. He’s going to do great things at Livingstone this fall.”
Coach Travis Pait, who coached Heze on the basketball court, had no shortage of praise for his multi-sport star.
“I don’t know specifically about how all the sports translate, but Heze is special. He could’ve played anything he wanted,” Pait said. “He decided as a sophomore he wanted to play college football, but he could’ve played college basketball, been drafted in baseball, or played college soccer. The Lord touched him—that’s what we’ve talked about for years. He’s probably the most coachable young man I’ve ever had. Unselfish, tough, and just special.”
Pait highlighted how Hezekiah’s character and attitude stood out just as much as his athleticism.
“In the weight room, it was never ‘Coach, I’m not feeling it today.’ It was always ‘Coach, how do I get better?’ That’s who he is.”
Coach Worley added,
“I agree wholeheartedly—Livingstone is getting a steal. Heze could’ve gone a lot of places. Looking at Heze You are where you’re at because God wants you to be. He brings that it factor. It’s hard to describe, but he just has it. He’s a player.”
When asked what advice he’d give to younger athletes in Bladen County hoping to play at the next level, Hezekiah offered some wisdom born from experience:
“Just stick with it, whatever you are doing. Keep working and don’t give up. If you give up, your next obstacle might be the one that led to your blessing.”
Latoya added,
“It has made him a humble young man. As long as he keeps God on his side, there’s nothing that can stop him.”
Coach Pait concluded with one more important note:
“Great student, too. Absolutely awesome GPA.”
As Hezekiah Adams prepares to take the next step at Livingstone College, he carries with him not just athletic talent, but also the values, humility, and work ethic that have defined his time at West Bladen.
The future is bright for this young man, and Bladen County will be cheering him on every step of the way.
I'm still building connections within the county. I'm glad to cover other athletes from Bladen County that are in college or professional sports. Reach out to me via the the contact info below with any info you have.
West Bladen’s Hezekiah Adams Commits to Livingstone College
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Its been a pleasure working with Heze a great young man on the field and off the field on court and off the court i give God all the glory and praise for this young General