On the field, no one did it better under center for Oregon than Marcus Mariota.
He was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection each of the last two years, and left the Ducks holding the all-time school record for, among others, total offense, passing yards and passing touchdowns. He stands as the conference’s all-time leader in total touchdowns and the league’s single-season leader for passing yards and passing touchdowns. He staked his claim to a slew of awards including the Walter Camp, Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, Manning and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm as well as being the first-ever UO player to be the recipient of the Heisman Trophy.
Off the field he may have been even more impressive as there might not have been a more likable or respected player in all of college football.
And, for all of that, the university is grateful. In particular, his former fellow student-athletes at the school, who put together a “thank you” video and released a couple of days before Mariota is expected to be selected no lower than No. 2 in the NFL draft.
Simple and extremely well done. Bravo, young men and women.
