His nickname is “Big play V.A.,” and he’s coming to Oregon to compete for the starting quarterback spot.
Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams announced via his personal Twitter account Monday morning that he’s transferring to Oregon.
Oregon it is! First off, I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity. I want to thank all of… http://t.co/yMkAHNt1f2
— Vernon Adams Jr. (@vadams_qb) February 9, 2015
Adams is eligible to play for Oregon immediately once he graduates in June. Adams ill earn a degree in recreation management.
A source close to Adams told the Emerald last week that, “Vernon’s heart is at Eastern Washington, but if he’s offered a leg-up on the starting quarterback job at Oregon, he’ll likely transfer there.”
Adams, a native of Pasadena, California, was named the Big-Sky Conference Most Valuable Player after throwing 3,483 yards, 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions this past season. Against the Washington, Adams threw for 475 yards seven touchdowns and no interceptions.
Adams told Andrew Greif of the Oregonian, “I love it here at Eastern (Washington), but this is what I’ve been dreaming about.”
After Oregon’s 42-20 loss to Ohio State on Jan. 12, Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich said that the program would “exhaust every path to find the right guy, the right fit,” to replace Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota.
Oregon will have returning quarterbacks Jeff Lockie and Taylor Alie, as well as incoming freshman Travis Waller on its roster next year, to compete with Adams.
Adams will play his old team on Sept. 5, when Eastern Washington travels to Oregon.
Congrats @vadams_qb! Welcome to the Oregon Family. #MenOfOregon #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/hxDl2vKvgt
— OregonGridiron (@OregonGridiron) February 9, 2015
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt