#TBT (Almost) Pro Athlete of the Week: Marcus Mariota

#TBT(Almost) Pro Athlete of the Week is NFL Prospect QB Marcus Mariota of the Oregon Ducks

Hawaii –With all of the NFL Free Agency news and the 2015 NFL Draft approaching fast, we decided to spotlight one of the top college prospects. Marcus Mariota is projected to be a top first round pick in this year’s draft. Mariota attended St. Louis High School in Honolulu.

Class of 2011/ Quarterback #8/ 6’3�?/166 lbs./ GPA: 3.5/ 40 Yard: 4.54/ Broad Jump: 8’ 10.5�?

Mariota was a two-sport star in football and track. In football, he was relatively unknown since he did not start until his senior year season. Mariota lead his team to an impressive 11-1 record and won the state title. Mariota threw for 2,597 yards on 165 of 225 passing attempts (64.7%), including 32 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He also rushed the ball 60 times for 455 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and 7 touchdowns. Mariota was named Interscholastic League of Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year and was selected to the NUC All World Game. Coincidentally, he was selected to this All World Game alongside 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “Football�? Manziel.

Mariota was also a standout track and field athlete. He was a state track qualifier in the sprinting and jumping events. At the 2010 National Underclassman Combine, he awarded “Fastest Man�? and “Combine King�? after running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. Mariota was a talented high school athlete who also excelled with academics. In 2011, Mariota committed to the University of Oregon to play QB for the Ducks. He had a successful career with a 3-1 bowl record and also appearing in the National Championship.

In fourth grade, Mariota described the plan for his life as a football player in a class report. He stated he would play quarterback at St. Louis High School, then in college he would play QB for either USC or the Oregon Ducks. So what was next? He would lead his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, to a Super Bowl. Mariota has been spot on with his predictions so far, and even though it is highly unlikely he will be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, one thing is certain. Marcus Mariota will fulfill his dream to play in the NFL.