Oregon football kept its foot on the gas pedal in the 2015 season opener last Saturday, and much of that was thanks to the play of its new quarterback, Vernon Adams Jr. Adams accounted for 340 yards of total offense in a 61-42 win against Eastern Washington.
However, he also supplied a scare in the fourth quarter after Eastern Washington defender John Kreifels targeted Adams’ head while the latter was sliding. Adams contends that he is fine and spoke with the media Monday about his debut in a Ducks uniform. The graduate transfer also said he’s adapted to the offense smoothly and gave his initial impressions of Michigan State as the Ducks’ date with the fifth-ranked Spartans looms this Saturday.
So, after finally being able to look at the film, what’d you see out of your performance on Saturday?
Myself, I think I left a lot of things out there — a couple short throws. I thought I was playing maybe a little conservative but, as a team, we played great. Royce (Freeman), my gosh. Everybody as a whole did really good. I’m so happy I got this opportunity.
How much is Scott Frost able to throw at you now that you have that game under your belt before Michigan State?
I kind of know most of the offense, so we’re going all in. I meet with them every morning, hour before everybody gets here, and we got to work hard and keep going. This is a huge game. They’re trying to get revenge for last year, they’re playing at home. So I can’t take any days off and got to keep going strong.
Mark Helfrich said the team didn’t react well to the win, that they took it pretty hard, how are you guys responding?
We’re practicing harder. Harder and faster, that was the biggest thing today.
How much do you like running?
You know, I don’t really like it, but it’s part of the offense. It’s cool when there’s a big hole and we gash it like Royce did.
What was it like playing at Autzen for the home team?
The fans here are great and everyone’s been telling me that we have the greatest fans here and we do. It was awesome and I appreciate all their support.
What are your initial impressions of Michigan State?
Their front four is huge. They’re fast and they’re really good. They got some young guys in the secondary, but they’re really good too. They like playing physical.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise
Take a Knee: Vernon Adams reflects on his first game as a Duck, looks ahead to Michigan State
Justin Wise
September 6, 2015
More to Discover