If he plays really well this year, I wonder if he'll come out in the draft. Waiting doesn't always help your stock, as we've seen with Matt Barkely. Right now, running QBs are the "big thing" in the NFL with Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson. Mariota is like a Kaepernick clone, and I bet someone would take him in the top 10.
it's certainly possible that MM comes out, though I thought talk of Barkley going 1st round was a little silly. As you mentioned the league has been trending towards running QBs plus he only measured 6'2... so we're talking about a QB prospect who isn't athletic or of prototypical size. Marcus has both qualities plus a live arm and great decision making/demeanor. Barring injury, I expect him to enjoy at least as good this year as last and to be projected top 10 maybe even up to #2 after Clowney. It boils down to whats most important to him and for that I don't have much insight other then having heard he takes school seriously and is doing very well. My guess is like DT he'll return for a 3rd season, get his degree and then declare foregoing a final year of eligibility. The Jr. I expect to declare is Colt STOMP
I love it. They're scoring 50+ points a game (sometimes by halftime) and still we find things to complain about. Their basic approach has been establish the run game with their breakneck pace and spread the rest of the touches around. That formula has them gashing teams. Sure Colt is hell to bring down when he gets chances and he's got speed + good hands, but his blocking is a big part of their run game success which has been setting records. Because of his dominant play I'm sure he'll be 1st rounder STOMP
I see him staying another year. Next year is heavy on QBs so MM may only get drafted in RD2. If he declares his Junior year however, he can go as high as #1(then again, so can Hundley or Hogan). 2015 draft is PAC-12 QB draft
I think he will stay for 2 more. As to Colt, I would also like to see him just a bit more involved with passes his way.
I agree on Ifo. DAT I just cant shake that feeling. Maybe its me being hopeful lol, but he sure seems to march to the beat of his own drum.
DAT is so tiny though. Does he really have a place in the NFL? I know he's super fast, and he'd probably be a return man, but the guy is just a twig. I love watching him play, and I'm curious how he would do in the pros.
it worked very well the year before against Stanford didn't it? The plays were there to be made last year too, they were flat & didn't execute. Probably the worst game I've seen either DAT or Mariota have... pretty sure they'll be on point for the tree this season STOMP
I thought I recalled you as a 9ers fan being pumped when they drafted LaMichael James? His 2nd year at Oregon his measured height and weight was 5'9 180. In De'Anthony's 2nd year at Oregon his measured height and weight was 5'9 176. Like LMJ, I'll be surprised if Thomas doesn't continue to put on weight as his Duck career progresses. Besides being normal for guys that age to add muscle/weight, James & Thomas had/have the incentive of a future NFL paycheck motivating them do so. STOMP
I sure hope Mariota stays an extra year after this one to get the vocal leadership/field general column down pat. Outside of that I see no weakness in his game. Size, calm, athleticism and speed is all there. An extra year will make him a complete QB going into the NFL to command the respect of full grown men he'll be leading.
