QB Vernon Adams says he must pass Thursday's exam to join Oregon

There is one thing keeping Vernon Adams Jr. from joining Oregon's fall camp quarterback battle - a final exam.

The Eastern Washington transfer told Sport Illustrated's Lindsay Schnell on Monday that he has been "studying like crazy" to pass Thursday's exam so he can join the Ducks.

Calling this exam his "last shot," Adams says he needs to pass this exam to be allowed to play for Oregon. Coaches at his soon-to-be new program told him that he was not allowed to work out with his teammates without joining the program officially, so Adams says he spent time throwing passes to his roommates and getting workouts in on his own.

Adams knows he would be in a difficult situation should he fail the exam, as he would be ineligible to play for programs other than Eastern Washington, and he is unsure that the Eagles would welcome him back.

A tough battle for the starting quarterback role awaits Adams if he becomes eligible to join his new teammates. Jeff Lockie, veteran backup quarterback, is also gunning for the first-string position.

Lockie got a little pep-talk from former Oregon star quarterback and Heisman winner Marcus Mariota, according to Sports Illustrated. Mariota told him that he should trust himself and worry about his snaps and plays.