Tomorrow, the world can finally put to rest whether or not Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams Jr. will be a Duck.
Adams, who originally planned on participating in summer workouts back in June, will need to pass one last math test to join the team for Thursday’s practice. The hour-long test that Adams has reportedly been “studying like crazy” for will take place tomorrow at 12:30 PST.
According to Sports Illustrated, the plan is to finish the exam, wait a few minutes for the result, and then race over to the Hatfield Dowlin-Complex for his first practice. If he fails, nobody quite knows what will happen. It has been confirmed however, that there is no chance that Adams rejoins his former team. Either way, a verdict will be announced very shortly.
Aside from Adams, Oregon has been busy at work getting their present players in line for the upcoming season, believe it or not. And while Adams’ arrival will certainly be the main topic of discussion, there have been other important storylines that have been worth following, especially following Thomas Tyner’s recent season-ending shoulder surgery.
For the past few days, one of the biggest questions has revolved around Oregon’s depth at the running back position and how they plan on filling Tyner’s void. The immediate speculation was that senior Byron Marshall would resume his duties in the backfield having began his career there, but today, that notion was shot down — at least for the time being.
“It doesn’t change what we do,” running backs coach Gary Campbell said. “What it changes is the guys that are doing it. Some of those guys are waiting in the wings now and have to step up, help out and take up some of the slack.”
Earlier in the week, wide receiver coach Matt Lubick said that Marshall had been solely receiving reps with the receivers. Campbell echoed Lubbick’s comments at today’s practice and added that Byron will be used if needed.
“That decision will be made once we get a little deeper into camp, but we got some young guys that are pretty talented,” Campbell said. “If those guys can’t step up, then Byron is always that option. But right now, Byron is a receiver and he’s not getting any work at running back.”
With three weeks standing in between Oregon and their season opener against FCS opponent Eastern Washington, there has been a lot of shuffling of players at different positions.
To elaborate: tight end Pharaoh Brown, who suffered a gruesome leg injury against Utah last season, recently returned to the field on Monday after doctors nearly had to amputate his leg. No one can guarantee that Brown will be fully ready to go this season, but he did partcipate in some light agility drills and routes. In the meantime, Oregon plans to lean on veterans Evan Baylis and Johnny Mundt until further notice.
Regardless, Brown has been an uplifting spirit for the team heading into the season.
Lastly, redshirt sophomore Ty Griffin, who transferred over from Georgia Tech, said that he was planning on remaining at the quarterback position, despite rumblings that he might convert into a slot receiver.
“I got a lot better because last year I got here the day before camp, so I didn’t know anything, really,” Griffin said. “As of now, I’ve just been playing quarterback. I don’t know, maybe later on in camp I’ll move around some, but as of now, (I’ve) just been playing quarterback.”
Oregon will likely announce Adams’ test results tomorrow. The team will be in full pads for the first time this Friday.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim