In a press release from the University of Oregon athletic department, Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota announced that he’ll forego his final year of eligibility at Oregon and enter the draft.
“After meeting with my family I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL Draft,” Mariota said in the press release. “My four years at the University of Oregon have been an awesome experience. I cannot thank Coach Kelly, Coach Helfrich, Coach Frost, the rest of the Oregon coaches and the support staff enough for molding me as a person, player and student-athlete.”
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported first that Mariota would announced his decision today to enter the draft.
The 2014 Heisman trophy winner told reporters after Oregon’s 42-20 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship that he intended to take a couple days to figure out his decision. His paperwork has been filed and his career at Oregon is over.
Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich had this to say on Mariota’s decision to enter the NFL:
“It’s been an honor to watch Marcus develop over the last four years, and I’m excited to see what his future holds,” Helfrich said. “He’s given this program everything we could have asked, and he’ll be the standard by which others are judged. Mahalo.”
Mariota threw a touchdown pass in every game of his career as a starting quarterback at Oregon. In that time, the Ducks went 36-5 and won the Fiesta Bowl, the Alamo Bowl, a Pac-12 championship and a Rose Bowl victory this season.
This year, Mariota accumulated 4,454 yards passing 42 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 770 yards and 15 touchdowns, becoming the first player in Pac-12 history to eclipse the 5,000 total yard mark.
There was no word in the press release of a press conference regarding Mariota’s decision.
In the press release, Mariota called being a part of the team a “treasure.”
“The support I received from the University, the city of Eugene and Duck fans has been tremendous. I will always remember the great times and support I received. Once a Duck always a Duck.”
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt