The University of Oregon Athletic Department confirmed that Ducks star quarterback Marcus Mariota will skip out on his last year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft for the 2015 season.
"After meeting with my family I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL Draft," said Mariota in a statement. "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."
Mariota has been a starter for the Ducks over the past three years, and has led the team to a 36-5 record, which included the Rose Bowl and the National College Playoff Championship. He was honored as a Heisman Trophy winner earlier this year.
He is the first player from UO, the first Hawaiian native and the first of Polynesian descent to win the award.
Mariota had avoided publicly announcing any commitment to going pro following the team's loss to Ohio State at the college championship.
He has already completed his degree in general science at Oregon.
Marcus Mariota during his sophomore year in 2013. During the 2013 season, Mariota attempted 386 passes, completing 245, accounting for 31 passing touchdowns. In addition, he accounted for nine rushing touchdowns. In 2014, he became the first recipient in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy. He is the most decorated player in Oregon's history.
Marcus Mariota during his sophomore year in 2013. During the 2013 season, Mariota attempted 386 passes, completing 245, accounting for 31 passing touchdowns. In addition, he accounted for nine rushing touchdowns. In 2014, he became the first recipient in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy. He is the most decorated player in Oregon's history.
Marcus Mariota during his sophomore year in 2013. During the 2013 season, Mariota attempted 386 passes, completing 245, accounting for 31 passing touchdowns. In addition, he accounted for nine rushing touchdowns. In 2014, he became the first recipient in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy. He is the most decorated player in Oregon's history.
Marcus Mariota during his sophomore year in 2013. During the 2013 season, Mariota attempted 386 passes, completing 245, accounting for 31 passing touchdowns. In addition, he accounted for nine rushing touchdowns. In 2014, he became the first recipient in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy. He is the most decorated player in Oregon's history.
Marcus Mariota during the 2014 Civil War at Reser's Stadium. Mariota is the first player in Oregon's history to receive the Heisman Trophy.
Marcus Mariota during the 2014 Civil War at Reser's Stadium. Mariota is the first player in Oregon's history to receive the Heisman Trophy.
Marcus Mariota during the 2014 Civil War at Reser's Stadium. Mariota is the first player in Oregon's history to receive the Heisman Trophy.
Marcus Mariota during his junior year with Oregon. During his junior year, he became the first player in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy.
Oregon's Marcus Mariota (right) tries to elude Ohio State's Michael Bennett during the 2nd quarter of the national championship game on January 12, 2015. Mariota is the first player in Oregon's history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy.
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