Marcus Mariota

Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota (born October 30, 1993) is an American football quarterback for the Oregon Ducks football team. He was a highly recruited prospect out of high school. He was named starting quarterback for the Ducks for the 2012 season over sophomore Bryan Bennett.

Early life
Mariota was born in Honolulu to Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota.. He has one younger brother, Matthew Mariota, who also plays defensive end and kicker for Saint Louis. Out of high school he was considered one of the best Hawaiian prospects since Timmy Chang. Besides the Ducks, he had offers from the Hawaii Warriors, Memphis Tigers, Utah Utes, Oregon State Beavers, Washington Huskies, Arizona Wildcats, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, UCLA Bruins, and the USC Trojans.

High school career
He was rated the No. 6 recruiting prospect in the state of Hawaii and No. 12 overall quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com. As a senior, he threw for 2,597 yards on 165 of 255 passing (64.7%), including 32 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He guided the Crusaders to an 11-1 record and a state title. He also rushed the ball 60 times for 455 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and 7 touchdowns. Marcus was named to the NUC All World Game started by David Schuman and NationalUnderclassmen.com Combines in 2010 where he starred. It was the first time Mariota dominated on a national stage. He played in the game as a teammate with Heisman Trophy winner for Texas A & M Johnny Manziel.

2011 Season
As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Mariota did not see any action. He spent most of his time on the scout team. But Mariota did dress for every game in case of injury to Darron Thomas or Bryan Bennett.

2012 Season
Entering the offseason, Oregon was hit with many starters leaving for the 2012 NFL Draft, notably running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas. After a good spring game and fall practices, he was named starting quarterback in their opener against Arkansas State.

Game 1: Arkansas St. Red Wolves
Despite an over matched opponent, Mariota had an impressive debut. He was 18 of 22 passing, with 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had 4 carries for 24 yards. The Ducks would lead 50-10 at half and would go on to win 57-34, Arkansas State's tally a reflection of Oregon having pulled most of its starters after the first half.

Game 2: Fresno St. Bulldogs
Mariota was 19 of 27 for 166 yards and 1 touchdown. He also carried the ball 14 times for 67 yards. His performance helped lead Oregon to a 42-25 win.

Game 3: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
Going into this game, Oregon were heavy favorites due to the fact that Tennessee Tech is an FCS school. Mariota was 21-28 for 308 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also 1 interception. He also had 17 yards rushing, and his efforts helped Oregon claim a 63-14 win over the Golden Eagles.

Game 4: Arizona Wildcats
Going into this game many experts predicted a high scoring contest due to both teams running a Spread Offense. Mariota was 20 of 35 for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he also ran 5 times for 17 yards. His play combined with a spirited performance from the Duck defense resulted in a shutout, as Oregon won 49-0.

Game 5: Washington State Cougars
In his first game away from the friendly confines of Autzen stadium, Mariota had another strong performance but also showed some of his inexperience. He was 21 of 32 for 169 yards with one touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions. Mariota also ran for 56 yards and one score. Though the Cougars and Mike Leach's "Air Raid" offense put forth a valiant first-half effort, he led Oregon to a 51-26 win.

Game 6: Washington Huskies
Despite an interception on his opening series, Mariota would direct another Oregon victory. He was 15 of 24 attempts, for 198 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also ran for another 40 yards on 7 carries. The Ducks ultimately extended their victory streak over the Huskies to 9 games, winning 52-21.

Game 7: Arizona State Sun Devils
Mariota was only 9-12 passing for 46 yards and 1 touchdown. But he showcased his impressive running ability with 135 yards on 10 carries, including an 86-yard long run that resulted in a touchdown. He also had one touchdown receiving, as he caught an improvised pass from Bryan Bennett on what looked liked a broken play from Arizona Sate's 2-yard line. Mariota's efforts helped Oregon amass a staggering 43 points in under 20 minutes of play.

Game 8: Colorado Buffaloes
In what was viewed by many as a tune-up before facing USC, Mariota had another steady performance. He was 11 of 14 passing, for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran for 22 yards and one score. Oregon held a 56-0 lead at halftime and would ultimately go on to win 70-14.

Game 9: USC Trojans
He was 20 of 23 passing, for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also had another 96 yards rushing, making him Oregon's top offensive performer, despite a stellar 321 yard performance from Kenjon Barner. In what was an offensive shootout, Oregon prevailed 62-51.

Game 10: California Golden Bears
In recent years, Cal had been very successful at slowing Oregon's run game and forcing the Ducks to the air. However, the Golden Bears had no answer for the Oregon passing game in this particular contest, with Mariota completing 27 of 34 passes for 377 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also ran for another 42 yards on 6 carries, helping to lead Oregon to a 59-17 victory.

Game 11: Stanford Cardinal
A stout Stanford defense gave Oregon's offense fits all night. Mariota was 22 of 38 for 214 yards and 1 touchdown, but also threw 1 interception. He ran for another 96 yards on 11 carries, including a 77 yard-run in the first half. Still, this wasn't enough and Oregon would go on to lose in overtime, 17-14, dashing their hopes of an appearance in the BCS title game.

Game 12: Oregon State Beavers
In the first Civil War Marcus played in, he played pretty well going 17 for 24 with 140 yards passing and 1 touchdown. He also had 85 rushing yards on 8 attempts including a 42 yard quarterback draw for a touchdown. This was his only rushing touchdown of the day. In the end, the Ducks destroyed the Beavers 48 to 24.

The 2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
After missing the Pac 12 Championship and the BCS title game due to a loss to Stanford, the Ducks found themselves playing Number 5 ranked Kansas State. Marcus played well despite De'Anthony Thomas stole the show with a 94 yard kickoff return touchdown on the opening play and another touchdown catch later. Marcus went 12 for 24 with 166 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. He also ran for 62 yards on 8 attempts with one touchdown that sealed the deal for Oregon. The Ducks prevailed 35 to 17.