The redshirt junior quarterback of the Oregon Ducks has been nothing short of magnificent this year. Marcus Mariota has tossed 29 touchdowns so far this season through ten games while only owning two interceptions to his credit this year.
Mariota, the third year starter, has picked apart defenses all year and looks to be the front runner for the Heisman trophy. His 184.6 passer rating leads all college football quarterbacks as he continues to prove that he is the most efficient quarterback in the nation.
Mariota has led the Ducks to a 9-1 record and just recently a 51-27 road win at Utah on Saturday night where he fought off a late comeback by the Utes to put the game away. Also Mariota has thrown for 549 more yards and 11 more touchdowns than fellow Heisman hopeful quarterback Dak Prescott.
“Mariota is a real special talent,” University of Oregon alumni Greg Byers said. “You don’t see guys with the type of skill set that he has at the college level.”
Not only does he perform with his arm but he also dominates with his legs. With eight rushing touchdowns this year and 524 yards Mariota continues to dominate in nearly every aspect of the game.
“Mariota is one of the fastest quarterbacks I’ve seen that also has the ability to throw the ball with such precision,” senior Carter Marteeny said. “I would love to see him play for the Rams next season.”
Oregon is in good shape to play in the National Championship game as they currently stand as the number two seed in the bracket of the newly created college football final four. With Mariota carrying the team on his back and averaging a first down every time he completes a pass, he has his eyes set on that championship and then onto the NFL right after that.
“He is very soft spoken but has evolved as a leader,” avid Duck fan Max Byers said. “You can definitely tell the transition he has made from his freshman year to now and he would be a great fit for any NFL team.”
Mariota continues to show that he is head and shoulders above the rest of the league and without a doubt should be the front runner for the Heisman trophy as well as a top draft pick next spring.
