It wasn’t supposed to end like this. Corey Adams had just started living his dream, college football, a shot at the SEC, and a future that looked a lot like Sunday game days.

But everything came crashing down Saturday night. A shooter killed the 18-year-old Ole Miss freshman and injured four others in Tennessee.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the shooting happened in Cordova, a Memphis suburb.

It’s the kind of headline no one ever wants to read, but here we are, a young life gone far too soon, with the Ole Miss football community completely shocked.

Tragic Night In Cordova

Deputies rushed to the scene after a call about a shooting near Fern Glade Cove. According to their statement, officers stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove and found a gunshot victim, later identified as Adams, inside. They tried life-saving measures, but he died there on the road.

Back at the original scene, deputies found multiple shell casings. Meanwhile, four other men had already made their way to local hospitals with gunshot wounds. Doctors expect all of them to survive. The investigation is ongoing.

“This shooting is an active homicide investigation,” the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said. “Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers at 528-CASH.”

Adams wasn’t just another name on a roster. He was a 6-foot-4 defensive lineman from New Orleans, a two-time all-state standout. Just last season, he racked up 62 tackles, 19 sacks, and 21 tackles for loss. ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports all had him as a top-30 recruit out of Louisiana. Ole Miss beat out LSU, Texas A&M, and Oregon to get him. He enrolled early, eager to start his new chapter.

Ole Miss issued a short statement: “We’re heartbroken by the passing of Corey Adams. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”

Adams was just getting started. He had the tools, the talent, and the heart. Now, the Rebels are mourning a teammate they barely got to know. One full life, cut short.