13-05-2025
Quarterbacks in Calgary Stampeders camp: Vernon Adams Jr. leads the way
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But if anybody can, Adams, who is known for his game-breaking ability and leadership, can catch that up pretty quickly.
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'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.'
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The plot
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Before Adams was acquired, it looked like Walker was going to be fast-tracked to the starting QB job in Calgary.
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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.
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'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.
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'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.'
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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.
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'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.
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'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.'
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That chance, however, is likely limited with Adams brought on to become the face of the franchise.
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Still, their effort so far proves they aren't shying away from the situation.
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'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.'
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With his resumé, though, Walker is likely to push him. And Love has similar solid credentials, too.
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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.
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'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.
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'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.'
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