Vernon Adams Jr
It began with an Instagram post.
Star-quarterback, Vernon Adams Jr, is transferring from Eastern Washington to Oregon. Adams Jr will be graduating from EWU this Spring. With a year of eligibility left after his graduation, rumors began surfacing recently of a visit to Oregon. Graduating athletes with eligibility remaining are allowed to transfer according to NCAA guidelines.
Official statements from EWU:
Athletic Director Bill Chaves
“We wish Vernon the best in his future endeavors and thank him for all that he has done for Eastern. The chance for him to pursue this opportunity is certainly a unique one given the fifth-year transfer rule. We are not sure that this was the actual intent of the legislation when it was approved, but it is the rule currently in place that we and potentially other schools have to adhere to. We will continue to work through the process of this transfer based on the rule as it stands now.”
Head Coach Beau Baldwin
“I am very thankful for everything Vernon has done for Eastern and our football program these past four seasons. I wish him nothing but the best in his senior season. We are very confident in the quarterbacks in our program, and our expectations and goals are the same for what we are capable of accomplishing in the 2015 season.”
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Social Reaction
With his visit complete on Super Bowl weekend, Adams took some time to decide on his future. Using Instagram to share the news today, the reaction was swift in the college football world.
Former #EasternWashington QB Vernon Adams announced hell transfer to #Oregon, huge grad transfer pickup for the Ducks
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) February 9, 2015
Vernon Adams Jr., @vadams_qb is now trending in #Seattle http://t.co/lj7wA8s9U3
— Trendsmap Seattle (@TrendsSeattle) February 9, 2015
Great free agent pickup by Oregon Ducks @WinTheDay getting EWU QB Vernon Adams. Very talented!
— RodGilmore@espn (@RodGilmore) February 9, 2015
New #Oregon QB Vernon Adams has a lot of talent..so does incoming FR Travis Waller who'll be there for spring ball.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 9, 2015
As exciting as it is to think about Vernon Adams running Oregon's O, remember about this time last year Jake Coker was a Heisman contender.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) February 9, 2015
“@NorCalsEDub: thoughts on VA to the Ducks?” Love his experience and accomplishments. Look forward to seeing his journey continue in Eugene!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 9, 2015
Twitter friend Tim McDonnell from CAA Sports asked this question. Perhaps not a serious question, but he raises a good point about Oregon’s first game next season: opponent – EWU.
So, if you're Vernon Adams, do you try to impress in your first game as a Duck … versus you former EWU friends and teammates??
— Tim McDonnell (@timpmcdonnell) February 9, 2015
Beat writer Jim Allen (Spokesman-Review) spoke with Adams earlier today
#ewu #ewufb #bigskyfb Just off the phone with Adams, who said, "I really thought it out. It's not easy leaving Eastern, ….
— Jim Allen (@srjimallen) February 9, 2015
#ewu #ewufb #bigskyfb " …but definitely this is my dream, to play for the Ducks.”
— Jim Allen (@srjimallen) February 9, 2015
And yes, there will be jokes, thanks to Reddit.
Interesting way of looking at the Vernon Adams transfer: pic.twitter.com/O8moA9kHkw
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 9, 2015
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And, just in case anyone thought it wasn’t official…
Congrats @vadams_qb! Welcome to the Oregon Family. #MenOfOregon #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/hxDl2vKvgt
— OregonGridiron (@OregonGridiron) February 9, 2015
Those Ducks work fast.
RELATED: Eastern Washington QB heading to Oregon, Jim Allen, Spokesman-Review
RELATED: Vernon Adams chooses Oregon, Andrew Greif, OregonLive.com
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FINAL THOUGHTS: I had the privilege of seeing Adams play over the past three seasons. While it wasn’t in a day-in,/day-out capacity, it was enough to see how much he has grown both on and off the field. Yes, he is immensely talented and quick. He used to rely more on his legs. He worked hard to improve his passing game. He was a student of the game – always wanting to get better. I remember this past season watching some of his passes and admiring the touch he placed on the ball.
He was humble and gracious in my interactions with him. There was that smile. That infectious smile. A peek into the emotions of the Eagles’ star quarterback. He was definitely the emotional leader for the Eagles. He’d take the blame for losses and be quick to give praise to his teammates. That’s what leaders do.
While he’s not guaranteed the starting job left vacant by Heisman-winner Marcus Mariota, I have no doubt that Vernon will make a strong case to be the Ducks’ starter.
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