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

Vernon Adams says he needs to pass ‘two more math tests’ before he can enroll at Oregon

Even as Vernon Adams Jr. gets down to business of trying to become the next starting quarterback at the University of Oregon, he still has some unfinished business in Cheney. Eastern Washington’s former quarterback participated in EWU graduation ceremonies on Saturday, but still needs to pass “two more math tests” and file paperwork to finalize his degree in interdisciplinary studies, Adams told The Oregonian on Tuesday night. Adams, who moved to Eugene last weekend, declined to answer several phone calls and text messages from The Spokesman-Review. However, he told the Oregonian that “I’m excited to get cleared and get everything done and done the right way, and I’m just excited to be here and to be a Duck.” “I’ve got to finish up a couple more things and I’ll be good,” said Adams, who must pass the class in order to enroll at Oregon and play football for the Ducks. Asked whether he was nervous about the math class holding him back, Adams said: “No, I’m not.” Should Adams pass his math class, he said he will enroll in graduate school in Oregon’s sports management program. Recently, Adams’ academic status has been the subject of speculation on social media. Adams termed the chatter “crazy,” and said that he didn’t know where it originated. Referencing of his expected graduation, Adams said “It’s a big accomplishment, my family was very proud of me and I was proud of myself and I’m happy,” he said. “It’s a little different that I’m not in Cheney anymore but I’m happy that I’m here,” said Adams, who could face his old school when Oregon and EWU square off in the season opener in Eugene on Sept. 5. In three seasons for the Eagles, Adams threw for 10,438 yards, 110 touchdowns and 31 interceptions while completing 64.8 percent of his passes. He twice finished second in the balloting for the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the country’s best FCS player. Despite his credentials, Adams isn’t guaranteed to earn the starting spot. He is expected to compete with Jeff Lockie, a two-year backup to Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Oregon’s first full team practice is scheduled for Aug. 10. Summer workouts, overseen by Oregon’s strength and conditioning staff, will begin next week. “I’ve been conditioning and lifting and everything but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like Oregon is,” Adams told the Oregonian. “I just need to get back to where I need to be, which won’t take long; give me two weeks to get back in the right shape where I’m supposed to be.”