The Multifaceted Journey of Vernon Adams Jr. in the World of Football
Vernon Adams Jr. is not your typical quarterback story. The current BC Lions quarterback has carved out a unique career, from being overlooked in high school to making waves in the college arena and then bouncing around various CFL teams.
Early Life and High School Career
Growing up in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, Adams attended Bishop Alemany High School, where he passed for over 5,200 yards and 49 touchdowns in his final two seasons. Despite his impressive stats, his height was a barrier that kept major Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools from extending scholarship offers. Consequently, he only received offers from two Football Championship Subdivision schools, ultimately signing with Eastern Washington.
College Years at Eastern Washington and Oregon
At Eastern Washington, Adams redshirted his first year, earning the title of Eastern Washington’s Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year. By 2012, he was sharing quarterback duties and ended the year with 1,961 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
His sophomore year was a defining period, gaining national attention for leading a 49-46 upset win over Oregon State. Adams closed the season with an astonishing 4,994 yards passing and 55 touchdowns, earning the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year award among others.
Adams transferred to Oregon for his senior year, where he maintained high passing efficiency and concluded the season with 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns.
College Stats Overview:
- Eastern Washington (2012-2014): 10,438 passing yards, 110 TDs, 31 INTs
- Oregon (2015): 2,643 passing yards, 26 TDs, 6 INTs
A Journey Through the CFL
Adams went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft and took a shot at mini-camps with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins, neither of which panned out. That’s when the CFL came calling.
He was initially on the negotiation list of the BC Lions but was traded to the Montreal Alouettes. He won all three games he started for the Alouettes during his first season but was then traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he served primarily in short-yardage situations. A subsequent move to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was short-lived, and he found his way back to where his CFL journey began— with the BC Lions.
What Makes Vernon Adams Jr. Fascinating for CFL Fans
- Versatility: Adams has not just been confined to quarterback duties. He has also taken roles in short-yardage rushing and even as a wide receiver briefly.
- Resilience: Despite facing adversity and changes in his career, Adams’ performance remains steady.
- Statistically Sound: Whether it was in college or in the CFL, Adams’ stats showcase a player who knows how to make plays effectively.
While Vernon Adams Jr. might not have taken the most straightforward path to the CFL, his story is one of resilience, talent, and versatility, making him a player to watch closely as the 2023 CFL season unfolds.
