It’s not often that an FCS player transfers up to the FBS. It appears, though, that at least one star at the Level Formerly Known as Div. I-A is at least contemplating such a move.
According to Jen Beyrle of The Oregonian via Twitter, Eastern Washington’s Vernon Adams will be visiting Oregon this weekend. While not stated specifically in the tweet, the assumption is that the quarterback is considering a transfer to the Ducks.
247Sports.com is reporting that Adams has already been granted his transfer release, which seems to make a move to the Ducks imminent.
With Heisman winner Marcus Mariota leaving his remaining eligibility on the table and moving on to the NFL, UO will conduct a quarterback competition beginning this spring. The way it stands now, Jeff Lockie will enter spring as the front-runner, with competition being provided by redshirt freshmen Taylor Alie and California product Ty Griffin, true freshman Morgan Mahalak and 2015 early signee and four-star recruit Travis Waller. There have also been rumors that Braxton Miller has an interest in transferring to the Ducks, although that talk has waned of late.
Adams certainly has the credentials to come in and compete immediately with the group that will be there as he would be a grad transfer.
In a 49-46 win over Oregon State in 2013, Adams accounted for 518 yards of offense and six total touchdowns -- 411 and four passing, 107 and two rushing. A year later, Adams passed for 475 yards in a 59-52 loss to Washington.
Over the past two seasons, Adams has thrown for 90 touchdowns and ran for another 10. In 2013, he was runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, given to the top player in the FCS.