Door closed for Adams to return to Eagles

Should Vernon Adams Jr. fail a crucial math test today, there’s no chance he can about-face and play for Eastern Washington, his former coach confirmed Wednesday.

“This was long ago before today,” EWU coach Beau Baldwin said on the first day of EWU practice. “We’ve kept a very good relationship and we have that mutual respect, but just like anyone, once you decide you’re moving on, it can’t be a revolving door.”

“No one is bigger than the team, and he knows that,” Baldwin said.

Almost six months to the day after announcing his transfer to Oregon, the former Eagle All-America quarterback is still a man without a team. Today at 12:30 p.m. in Eugene, Adams is scheduled to take a one-hour online math test to complete his bachelor’s degree at EWU and play for the Ducks as a graduate student.

Adams will know the results a few minutes after taking the test; pass it and he can practice immediately with the Ducks; fail it, and he’s a man without a team, at least for now.

Oregon coach Mark Helfrich has declined to answer questions about Adams, saying he would rather talk about people who are currently in the program.

Baldwin said he’s hoping Adams can realize his dreams.

“I’m crossing my fingers that he can keep moving forward and have a great senior year,” said Baldwin, whose Eagles face the Ducks in the season opener on Sept. 5 in Eugene.

The Eagles have four quarterbacks on their fall roster, including redshirt junior Jordan West, who started four games last year when Adams was injured.

Baldwin added that the Eagles have moved almost seamlessly since Adams’ departure. “Their demeanor isn’t changing based on something happening – our guys reacted to it in such a positive way.”