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When quarterback Marcus Mariota declared for the 2015 NFL Draft back in January, it left a gaping hole in the Oregon Ducks‘ starting lineup. That opening was filled on Monday when Eastern Washington gunslinger Vernon Adams announced that he’d be taking his talents to Eugene as a graduate transfer.
Oregon it is! First off, I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity. I want to thank all of Eagle Nation for all the love and support. Want to thank every single one of my teammates for pushing me to be a better man/athlete everyday these past 4 years. Definitely want to thank Coach B, the coaching staff, and the everybody upstairs who has something to do with my success. Thank you Coach B for being the first school to ever offer me, you’ll always be a good friend of mine. I also want to thank all the other athletes and coaching staff’s here at EWU for all the love & support. I’m going to love & miss yall forever Cheney/Spokane but I have to do what I think is best for me and my family. All love. GOD BLESS #GoDucks #WTD
With Adams in the mix, the Ducks will have a proven playmaker who can take over as Mariota’s heir under center. Oregon was already expecting a big showdown for the opportunity to start at quarterback in 2015 with Jeff Lockie, Taylor Alie, Ty Griffin, Morgan Mahalak and Travis Waller all expected to play a part in the competition. Although chances are Mark Helfrich will still hold a “competition” for the job, Adam’s talent and experience should give him the clear edge.
What Adams lacks in size (6’0”, 190 pounds), he makes up for in playmaking ability and instincts.
During his time with the Eagles, Adams was an absolute star and one of the top talents in the FCS. After racking up over 100 touchdowns in the last two years (including 4,994 passing yards in 2013), there’s clearly little to be worried about in terms of his ability to move the ball down the field. He’s got a big arm, plenty of athleticism and the drive to win that Mariota embodied during his days with the Ducks.
Plus, Adams thrives against FBS competition.
In two games against Pac-12 opponents, Adams has amassed 1,009 total yards, 13 touchdowns and zero turnovers. Obviously not all of his games will yield similar results (although…), the fact that he can be successful against top competition — especially with a lesser supporting cast than he’ll have at Oregon — should have fans excited for the upcoming season.
Mariota’s legacy at Oregon will live on as he ventures into the NFL. For now, though, the program can stop feeling bad about his departure, and look towards making the 2015 College Football Playoff with Adams at the helm.
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