Marcus Mariota to return to Oregon
— -- Quarterback Marcus Mariota will bypass the 2014 NFL draft and return for his junior season at Oregon, it was announced Tuesday.
Mariota, a first-team All-Pac-12 selection for the second straight year, has completed 227 of 360 attempts for 3,412 yards with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions. The redshirt sophomore set a Pac-12 record from the end of last season into this year by attempting 353 passes without an interception. The streak came to an end on his first attempt against Arizona on Nov. 23.
"It is an honor to be a student at the University of Oregon and to have the opportunity to represent our institution on the football field alongside my teammates," Mariota said in a statement released by the school. "I look forward to earning my degree next year and to the rest of my career at this great university."
Mariota ranks second nationally behind Florida State's Jameis Winston with a 90.1 Total QBR and is third on the team with 582 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 81 carries.
He should again receive considerable buzz and be among the early favorites for the Heisman Trophy in 2014.
In two seasons, Mariota has 6,089 passing yards, 77 total touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. His streak of 25 games with at least one TD pass is third-longest in the nation.
In addition, Hroniss Grasu, a three-year starter at center, announced that he is returning to the Ducks.
Oregon completed the regular season with a 10-2 record (7-2 Pac-12 North) -- the sixth consecutive 10-win season for the Ducks.
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