This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
(This is the first in a series of spring updates about Pac-12 football programs) The headline on the University of Oregon's athletic website frames the Ducks' spring football finale Saturday as a showcase of the battle to replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. That's partly true. Saturday's event is another opportunity for junior Jeff Lockie to establish himself as a strong contender for the QB job in September. Yet the reality is that nothing will be decided until Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams begins practicing with his new team. Lockie has thrived in spring practice, by coach Mark Helfrich's account, doing everything to secure the position – under normal circumstances. The twist is that Adams will be making a rare jump from the FCS level to the Pac-12 as a graduate transfer, and he has proven himself against defenses in this conference. In 2013, Adams accounted for 518 total yards and six touchdowns via passing and running in a 49-46 win at Oregon State. Last season, he passed for 475 yards and seven TDs in a 59-52 loss at Washington. Coincidentally, enough, Oregon opens the season Sept. 5 vs. Eastern Washington. The Ducks' Pac-12 opener is Sept. 26, when Utah visits Autzen Stadium. During the Pac-12 coaches' spring teleconference, Helfrich endorsed Lockie's confidence and leadership, saying his teammates "believe in him." Helfrich also promises to give multiple QBs an opportunity to compete for the job in August, while trying to play to each quarterback's strengths. A winner must declared by about 10 days before the first game, Helfrich said. Oregon is the last Pac-12 team to conclude spring practice. The Ducks' calendar was pushed back by their mid-January appearance in the national championship game, a loss to Ohio State. – Kurt Kragthorpe