Marcus Mariota

Mariota was a three-star prospect out of Honolulu who put his dual-threat skills on display in leading St. Louis High School to a state title. Timed at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a high school all-star game, he was considered by then-Oregon coach Chip Kelly to be a perfect fit for the Ducks' offense. When Dennis Dixon left Eugene a year early, Mariota stepped in as the starter as a redshirt freshman in 2012. He is blessed with extraordinary tools and his production has been outstanding, including his Heisman Trophy resume in 2014. Some might write Mariota off due to the offense he runs, but his skill-set projects well to the next level because he's a smart, confident passer who is just scratching the surface of what he can do.

does an excellent job of dancing his way out of pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. quick release and flashes deadly accuracy, including when on the move. very strong arm and isn't afraid to make challenging throws through tight windows. shows good touch to loft passes over defenders down the seam or to backs and receivers on quick swing passes.

Puts extreme pressure on the defense because of his scrambling ability. He offers rare straight-line speed, making him a legitimate threat for a big play via his arms or legs on every snap.

overly reliant on his first read, and occasionally commits the cardinal sin of throwing late across his body. accuracy can be an issue, as mariota misses too many open receivers, including high-percentage underneath passes.

COMPARES TO

strengths

Often lauded for his intelligence, humility and work ethic. Effortless arm strength to zip the ball up and down the field and his gazelle-like athleticism to out-run defenders.

weaknesses

The Ducks' innovative offense simplifies QB decisions and this is roughly the same scheme Mariota played in high school. As such, some of the basics like taking the ball from under center and scanning downfield while dropping back are skills Mariota hasn't been asked to master yet.

colin kaepernick, 49ers -- inconsistent accuracy is one of several reasons why mariota most closely resembleskaepernick among current nfl quarterbacks. because of their extraordinary acceleration, each is a true dual-threat. further, both adept at sliding laterally to create wider throwing lanes and using their velocity to zip passes through them. neither kaepernick nor mariota, however, consistently throw their receivers open, only sporadically providing teammates run-after-the-catch opportunities.

--Rob Rang

A four-star recruit according to 247Sports.com, garnered three stars from both Rivals.com and Scout.com

Rated the No. 6 recruiting prospect in the state of Hawaii and No. 12 overall quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com

PrepStar Magazine All-West Region

As a senior, threw for 2,597 yards on 165 of 255 passing (64.7%), including 32 touchdowns against only five interceptions

Guided the Crusaders to an 11-1 record and a state title

Also rushed the ball 60 times for 455 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and seven scores. Named Interscholastic League of Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year and All-ILH first team quarterback

At the 2010 National Underclassman Combine, he was named quarterback MVP and won the camp's "Fastest Man" and "Combine King" awards

Clocked 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NUC camp

Played in the NUC All-World Gridiron Classic, a high school all-star bowl in Columbia, S.C.

Parents: Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota. Family: One brother. High School: Saint Louis School (Darnell Arceneaux), 2011. Major: General Science.