The Eagle QBs Past and Present

We all know the story of Vernon Adams, Jr. being romanced by the Oregon Nikes and the decision to forego his senior season at Eastern Washington to play for the Ducks. On Saturday, EWU and Oregon played it out in Autzen Stadium in Eugene. EWU earned a nice payday from UO in a 61-42 loss.

This was not an embarrassing loss for the Eagles as they were beaten by the No. 7 rated Ducks whose last loss was in the National Championship game last January.

On Saturday, Eagle QBs accounted for 7 TD passes. Three were thrown by EWU starter Jordan West, two by his backup Reilly Hennessey and the other two were thrown by Adams who was wearing a Ducks jersey.

You’re probably thinking this might sound like sour grapes but let’s be honest Adams has been practicing for Oregon for two weeks.

He was coached by Beau Baldwin and QB coach Zak Hill for four years in Cheney so who do you think had the most influence on his game?

Adams was the runner up for the Walter Payton award the last two years and was the odds on favorite to win it this year had he returned to Cheney but the graduate transfer rule allowed Oregon to go after Adams as a replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota.

Adams has huge shoes to fill but he is a very motivated young man and this may be his best opportunity to be drafted by an NFL team because Oregon is a very high profile team and each of their games are seen by millions on TV.

As far as the Eagles are concerned I’m quite pleased with the progress of the offense led by Jordan West and later by redshirt freshman Reilly Hennessey from Camas.

In the second half of Saturday’s game, West started cramping and his mobility was a real problem so enter Hennessey. The Gatorade high school player of the year for the state of Washington had a unique ability to avoid the Oregon defensive rush and made some impressive plays.

He did get greedy once which resulted in an interception but coming off the bench in a big game it was impressive how cool this kid was under pressure.

The favorite receiver for the Eagles was All-American wide out Cooper Kupp.

The redshirt junior from Yakima set Autzen Stadium records for receiving by catching 15 balls for 246 yards.

Hopefully he will finish his career at EWU but after this game he just might be the latest recruiting prospect for the Duck coaching staff. Let’s hope not!

Former Eagle QB Jim McElwain began his Florida coaching career with a lopsided win over New Mexico State. McElwain has been very successful as an offensive coordinator at Alabama when they won two NCAA National Championships.

He was hired by Colorado State and revived a program that won 10 games in his third year. Following the ten win season McElwain was hired as the Florida Gators coach.

Only time will tell if the former Eagle QB can replicate the success that Urban Meyer was able to have from 2005-10. But is looks like McElwain seems to know the best recipe.

Former Eagle QB and Walter Payton award winner Eric Meyer recently led the San Jose SaberCats to the Arena Football League championship.

The SabreCats were 20-1 the first AFL team to win 20 games in league history. Meyer had been a fixture for the Spokane Shock leading the team to victory while tossing a lot of TD passes and earning offensive player of the year as well as League MVP.

But this season he was signed by the SabreCats and the rest is history.

Finally, Bo Levi Mitchell the former EWU QB, Walter Payton award winner and Most Outstanding Player in the 2010 National Championship game has found success in the Canadian Football League.

Last November 30, Mitchell led the Calgary Stampeders to the 102nd Grey Cup Championship and earned the Most Valuable Player award.

So EWU fans, we Eagle supporters have a lot to be proud of with what looks like a quality team with some quality talent.

But it is also important to salute those former Eagles who are having some solid success after earning their diplomas from EWU and that includes Vernon Adams, Jr.