Quarterbacks in Calgary Stampeders camp: Vernon Adams Jr. leads the way

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In trying to turn around the failures of the last few football seasons, the decisions came swiftly in the off-season for the Calgary Stampeders.

And the most pivotal of those quick calls came at quarterback.

After three-plus years of starting Jake Maier at the critical QB position that resulted in mediocrity — at best — the Stampeders have turned to veteran ability in a push to jumpstart the offence.

Cue 10th-year CFL veteran Vernon Adams Jr., one of the best in the league at QB and a big reason why optimism has suddenly replaced frustration across the Stampeders fanbase.

His arrival after the team’s biggest trade made in the off-season certainly has put a favourable spin on the guy throwing the ball for the Red and White.

But wait … it’s not just Adams bringing on the upturn in outlook at quarterback.

P.J. Walker, an NFL veteran, has come on board as well.

As has Josh Love, a United States Football League and United Football League pro the last three springs.

“For the most part, we’ve got guys that can move,” said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson. “As our quarterback room, I think we really probably added more scramble ability.

“All four guys have strong arms, though, that can push the ball down the field,” continued Dickenson. “And for us, if you can be multi-dimensional and a quarterback can use his legs as a tool and as a weapon, that’s when you’re going to be at your best.”

The fourth QB in camp is Logan Bonner, who started for the Stamps in the 2024 Labour Day Replay and is the only signal-caller to return this spring with both Maier and Tommy Stevens signing on with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

And they all fall under the tutelage of first-year quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukop, just 31 and new to the gig after retiring last year from an eight-year CFL playing career.

Here’s our look at the Stamps QB competition in training camp …

The players

1 Logan Bonner 6’0, 230 lb. 27 Utah State
2 P.J. Walker 5’11, 221 lb. 30 Temple
3 Vernon Adams Jr. 5’11, 195 lb. 32 Oregon
16 Josh Love 6’2, 200 lb. 28 San Jose State
• all are American

The scene

As the guy with eight CFL seasons under his belt — highlighted by 4,769 yards and 31 touchdowns tossed two years back with the BC Lions — Adams is the expected starter.

The only reason he’s not still on the West Coast is because QB Nathan Rourke — the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2022 — returned to the CFL after spending two years trying to find a home in the NFL.

“I think he has a pretty good understanding of what we want to do,” said Dickenson of Adams, a California native. “Building the chemistry (with receivers) is going to be a little bit of an ongoing process … There is certainly going to be a curve.”

But if anybody can, Adams, who is known for his game-breaking ability and leadership, can catch that up pretty quickly.

“Honestly, this was the quickest off-season I’ve had,” Adams said. “You know, I think it was because I was so excited, and I would always talk to my receivers and even the offensive line, at times, and just tell them, ‘I’m itching, guys — like I can’t wait to get out there. So … yeah … I’m just happy to be here and get back to work.”

The plot

Before Adams was acquired, it looked like Walker was going to be fast-tracked to the starting QB job in Calgary.

He agreed last fall to come to the Stamps in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts after playing in 21 NFL games — starting nine combined with the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns — from 2020-23.

“P.J. came up here last year, which gave him a head-start,” said Dickenson, of the New Jersey native. “He left his kid and his wife back home. I think he really wants to make it worth something.

“And that’s what I’m excited for our team about these quarterbacks, because I feel like they’ve got the right things in their heart and they’re here for the right reasons.”

He’s talking, too, of Love, another Cali QB who was signed this spring after a one game-start with the UFL’s Memphis Showboats last year and nine game-starts with the USFL’s Michigan Panthers in 2023.

“They both played professional football, so it’s not like they’re rookies,” said Dickenson of Walker and Love. “P.J. has played a couple, three, four years in the NFL, and Josh has played a lot of big games, as well, and has played professional football for multiple years. He’s committed to the CFL … I feel like he can be a good player in our league.

“So … yes, they’re new and they were not with us, but these are not rookie type of guys. They expect to play well, and they expect to make great calls and the right decisions. They’re just looking for an opportunity.”

That chance, however, is likely limited with Adams brought on to become the face of the franchise.

Still, their effort so far proves they aren’t shying away from the situation.

“It’s great — competition is everything, competition is king …” Walker said. “When you come out here and you compete every day, it brings the best out of every player. So for me, it’s just come out here and compete at a high level. I got a you-versus-you mentality, so it’s me-versus-myself, and I’m just going to go out and compete.”

The ending

Our take is it’s Adams in the starter’s role — not a far-reaching conclusion given his experience and the expectations heaped on him.

With his resumé, though, Walker is likely to push him. And Love has similar solid credentials, too.

But what of returnee Bonner, who’s been hyped as a strong leader himself in the huddle? It’s the Texan’s third year here and he’s earned goodwill from the coaching staff and knows the system better than the other QBs in camp. So he’s in the mix, as well.

“In the last 15 years, Calgary has been the top offence in the league,” praised Adams, when asked of Dickenson’s system. “So it works.

“Now I just have to add my little flavour to it and just take care of the ball,” added Adams. “I think that’s been my biggest thing in my career, just throwing interceptions and giving up the ball. So I need to get these playmakers the ball and make me look good.”

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

X: @ToddSaelhofPM