Oregon’s first-week depth chart gives Vernon Adams the nod
EUGENE — Transfer Vernon Adams is listed atop Oregon’s depth chart at quarterback heading into the first week of the season.
Adams, an FCS All-American, joined the No. 7 Ducks just two weeks ago after passing the final math class he needed to graduate from Eastern Washington.
On the depth chart released Friday, Adams was listed above Jeff Lockie, who was Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota’s backup last season.
Adams, a two-time Big Sky Conference offensive player of the year, threw for 10,438 yards and 110 touchdowns in three seasons for the Eagles.
Oregon will host Eastern Washington to open the season Sept. 5.
Under NCAA rules he needed to complete his undergraduate coursework — specifically, a final math class — to transfer from Eastern Washington. The rules allow players with eligibility who have graduated to transfer to another school without having to sit out a season.
Adams joins Oregon after the departure of Mariota, who decided to leave school early to go pro. Mariota was the second overall pick in the NFL draft earlier this year, going to the Tennessee Titans.
Mariota set a Pac-12 single-season record for total touchdowns with 58 (including 42 via pass, 15 on the run and one touchdown catch) in leading Oregon to a 13-2 overall record and a spot in the College Football Playoff championship game against Ohio State.
Lockie attempted 27 passes, completing 21 for 207 yards and a touchown last season, playing mostly after Oregon had already built a sizable lead over its opponent. But the junior impressed many in the spring game, completing all nine of his passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns while leading his team to a 35-29 victory.
“I don’t think anyone can fill Marcus’ shoes — very few could do that — we’re just trying to be ourselves and do what we do best,” Lockie said at the start of fall camp about Oregon’s quarterback group.
Last season Adams threw for 3,483 yards and 35 touchdowns, and was runner up for the Walter Payton Award as FCS player of the year for the second straight season.
He grabbed attention with memorable games against the Pac-12: He passed for 411 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 107 yards and two TDs in a 2013 win at Oregon State, and he threw for 475 yards and seven touchdowns in a 59-52 loss at Washington last season.
He declared his intention to transfer to Oregon for his final season of eligibility in February.
Also listed as a starter on the Ducks’ depth chart is fellow senior transfer Matt Hegarty, who comes to the Ducks from Notre Dame and will play at center for Adams.
Dwayne Stanford, Charles Nelson and Byron Marshall were listed as starters at receiver for the Ducks, while sophomore Royce Freeman topped the running backs.
Oregon ended fall camp with a scrimmage on Thursday and released the depth chart on Friday. Players did not have on-field workouts on Friday. Players and coaches were not available to the media on Friday.