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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Drama resolved as Vernon Adams passes math test, is eligible for Oregon

Ending more than six months of drama, former Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. passed an EWU mathematics class Thursday to earn his bachelor’s degree. More importantly for Adams and fans of the University of Oregon, he is immediately eligible to practice and play with Ducks as they prepare for their season opener Sept. 5 against none other than the Eagles. “It is (a relief),” he told The Register-Guard newpaper in Eugene on Thursday night. “Man, it feels awesome.” “It feels great to earn my degree,” said Adams, a two-time FCS All-American who announced on Feb. 9 that he planned to transfer to Oregon and play for the Ducks as a graduate student. Thursday’s drama played out on social media. Adams, who had failed the exam earlier this summer, began the one-hour online test at 12:30 p.m. By 2 p.m., fans and media were waiting impatiently for the result, since a failed test would have ended Adams’ Oregon career before it began. At 4 p.m., the Oregon online site AddictedtoQuack.com, created a stir by posting a Twitter message that Adams had passed the exam; moments later, the post was retracted and the wait began anew. Finally, at about 7 p.m., Adams announced on Twitter that he’d passed the exam. “Thank God. Time to get to work,” he posted. Adams’ next test will come on the field, where will compete to replace Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Adams told The Register-Guard that he planned to attend a team meeting later Thursday night and plans to practice for the first time with the Ducks today. His main competition is expected to come from Jeff Lockie, who backed up Mariota last season and is more familiar with the Oregon system. “I think for anybody that’s coming in new our offense is difficult,” Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said Thursday, before the results of Adams’ test were revealed. “People are able to pick this thing up and play early if they’re smart and do their homework,” Frost said.
UPDATE: Adds Jim Allen’s story