Alouettes name Vernon Adams Jr. as their starting quarterback

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There really was never any doubt. Vernon Adams Jr. will be the Alouettes’ starting quarterback when they launch their regular season Thursday night in Calgary.

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Als management — general manager Danny Maciocia and head coach Khari Jones — hitched their wagon to Adams as early as February and reinforced that sentiment last week as training camp concluded.

Nothing — not even Adams’s three interceptions last Friday against Ottawa — was going to change that. Adams, 29, took first-team reps Monday at practice. Harris, the 36-year-old veteran heading into his 10th CFL season, will be the backup against the Stampeders.

“I just think Vernon’s the right person for the job at this point,” Jones said after practice. “He’s been in the system for a long time. Not only can he do things from inside the pocket, he can do things from outside the pocket. He makes things happen with his feet from him. He’s won games here. We really feel good with him being the quarterback and we feel really good about Trevor being here as well.”

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Adams, playing for the first time since last October when he fractured his left arm against the Redblacks, led the Als to a touchdown on their opening possession last Friday followed by a field goal. But then, over a four-pass sequence, he was pilfered three times and departed after completing only six of 12 passes for 69 yards. One of those interceptions deflected off the hands of Reggie White Jr., although it was thrown slightly behind him.

Jones said not all the interceptions were Adams’s fault. “He still made good decisions out there and made good reads. There’s always stuff to work on, like getting the timing down with the receivers. If it was something that was alarming, it might have set off bells. There was nothing alarming out there.

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“He had a really outstanding training camp,” Jones added. “We really like what we saw from him. Him and Trevor both played really well. We feel good with him being the starter.”

Jones, however, hedged when it was suggested that Adams will remain the Als’ starter as long as he’s injury-free.

“I don’t make any grand statements,” Jones said. “He’s our starting quarterback and I feel really good with that.”

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to watch the dynamic between Adams and Harris. This is the first time in Adams’s career he has had someone older and more experienced backing him up.

The Als acquired Harris in a trade from Edmonton days following Adams’s injury. last season. Harris completed the season as Montreal’s starter and then was released before free agency — before being owed a significant winter bonus — only to be re-signed in February.

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Despite claiming in an interview with the Montreal Gazette last winter that he welcomed competition, it was known Adams didn’t take kindly to the return of Harris at that time. But on Monday, Adams stated their relationship is healthy and strong.

“I know (the media’s) trying to create a quarterback controversy,” Adams said. “Whatever I did in the off-season, we’re good. It’s water under the bridge. We talked about it. Me and Trevor are good. He’s an awesome help. I have so much experience. He’s been an all-star, a CFL champion. We’re all here to learn. You can never learn some more. He’s been pushing me. He’ll be ready if anything happens.

“We’re all making each other better. It’s a team. We’re all working for one goal. I’m excited and blessed with the opportunity to keep leading. Obviously, I didn’t show that much in the last game.”

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Despite any disappointment, Harris put on a brave face, reiterating the organization decreed months ago Adams would be the starter. And if Harris had any doubt, he’s about to discover everyone loves a team’s backup quarterback.

“They made the decision this off-season; he was going to be the guy to start the year,” Harris said. “He’s a great quarterback. I look forward to being there for him and helping him. We’re in this together. We both know that.

“It’s about putting our ego aside and helping each other. I’ll do everything I can to help him. I know he’ll do the same for me. Is this easier as a competitor? No. Everyone’s itching to be out there. If not, you shouldn’t be playing.”

Jones said he hasn’t decided yet whether to activate Dominique Davis as the third-string QB this week or use that roster spot on a second global player. Jones admitted the organization must find an import tailback to back up William Stanback following Saturday’s release of Jordan Scarlett.

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