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Nye: Adams adds new piece to Riders’ QB puzzle

CFL

Hmmmm.

The quizzical noise was likely the most popular reaction in Saskatchewan to a trade that sent quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. to the Roughriders on Tuesday.

The Roughriders were definitely not in a desperate spot to get a quarterback on the roster with Kevin Glenn, Brandon Bridge and Marquise Williams on the depth chart.

Of course, the Riders general manager and head coach Chris Jones famously said that no stone would be left unturned to find the future quarterback of the Roughriders and that search is definitely ongoing.

Adams brings the youth and athleticism that would make any manager interested in seeing if the young man who starred at the University of Eastern Washington and then the University of Oregon could make the tough transition to the Canadian Football League.

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Vernon Adams was initially acquired by the Als at the cost of a first round pick in 2016 (Dominick Gravel/Montreal Alouettes)

He also comes with the infamous reference from his Head Coach Beau Baldwin from Eastern Washington, who said Adams was the most talented quarterback he’s worked with of those who are currently in the CFL.

That list includes Bo Levi Mitchell, Mike Reilly and Matt Nichols. So, yeah, teams are interested to see if the 24-year old can follow in the footsteps of other Baldwin proteges.

But what does it mean for this season in Saskatchewan?

Kevin Glenn’s starting job is very much in place as long as the Riders are still in the race in the West Division.

Brandon Bridge is still a work in progress for the Roughriders, who sometimes doesn’t practice well but when the games come he shows the promise that handed him the second-string job out of training camp.

Marquise Williams is the rookie in all of this who impressed the coaching staff to keep grooming him as the third-string prospect.

Adams may be brought in to look at pushing Bridge in a competition for the second-string job or it may be as simple as Adams being their new third down short yardage quarterback, something Kevin Glenn has been handling in the last couple of weeks. The less hits on the 38-year old quarterback the better for the team to keep its starting quarterback healthy.

But Adams is definitely in the conversation for the eventual battle for the top job next season, or later this year if the team falls out of that playoff picture I mentioned earlier.

Chris Jones and the Riders continue to leave no stone unturned in their quarterback search (CFL.ca)

The one thing Adams will find out early in Saskatchewan is his running ability and scrambling will be looked down upon if it isn’t used properly.

The offence is very much based around checking through the first two or three reads and then and only then should the quarterback start using the natural intangibles to make plays. The quarterback taking off running too early has gotten a few players cut already in Saskatchewan, most notably Brett Smith in 2016.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Adams’ speed and agility is a bonus because the young man can definitely extend a play and put even more pressure on an opposing defence.

Jones can’t be too complacent with his quarterback depth chart, especially if something were to happen to Glenn. He also has to bring in more quarterbacks to continue to evaluate who may be the young quarterback to take the Roughriders beyond 2017.

Because as much as Glenn looks like he could play until he’s 50, it’s unlikely Glenn is the future of the franchise in Saskatchewan.

Also making this deal work was Montreal’s need for a Canadian defensive back with a few injuries to their depth chart like Chris Ackie. Two third round picks are great assets to have as well because you can find good Canadian depth in that round through the draft.

Tevaughn Campbell is a speedster with a fantastic track resume from his days with the University of Regina. Campbell can contribute on special teams and with some more grooming he can definitely be a decent backup at corner and possibly safety if necessary.

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