Mariota Brings Team Atmosphere to Pro Day
Oregon’s top players returned to the field for NFL Pro Day, Thursday, at the Moshofsky Center. Marcus Mariota and potentially the university’s most noteworthy class yet, brought in over 80 scouts, general managers, and coaches from all 32 NFL teams.
After completing an impressive combine, with a 36-inch vertical and a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, Mariota elected only to throw on pro day. Scouts were most interested in seeing how he would perform while dropping back from the center, and so, Kevin O’Connell, quarterback coach for the Cleveland Browns, put the Heisman Trophy winner and five other receivers through a variety of drills that included various throws, routes, and three-to-seven drops in the pocket. Mariota threw approximately 66 balls, making 59.
On his performance Thursday, he said, “I thought I threw better at the combine. Today, I think, there is a lot of emotion being back here in Eugene causing some nervousness.”
Although watching Mariota taking snaps is unique to most Duck fans, Hroniss Grasu, Mariota’s old roommate and former teammate, indicated that it came very natural for the Ducks.
“In practice all four or five years we always start up practice under center,” said Grasu. “We’ve always had it under our belt, but we’ve never really brought it out.”
Mariota threw to a variety of receivers, including graduating seniors Kenny Bassett and Keanon Lowe, and former Ducks, Darlyle Hawkins and Lavasier Tuinei.
Vernon Adams: New Duck Finds Home
The best stories are the unexpected ones. The ones that make you stop, do a double take and leave a lasting impact.
One such story began today when Eastern Washington transfer quarterback, Vernon Adams found his new home, Monday, signing his financial aid agreement with the Oregon Ducks.
As the FCS most efficient passer in 2014, Adams is nothing short of impressive. He came in as one of the most high profile FCS players concluding last year with an efficiency rating of 183.13. He completed 251-of-380 passes, for 3,483 yards and 35 touchdowns with eight interceptions.
Oregon Volleyball Sweep Arizona Wildcats in Straight Sets
The 11th ranked Oregon Ducks defeated the Arizona Wildcats, 25-17, 25-12, 25-19, Wednesday at Matthew Knight Arena.
The Story: The Ducks dominated from start to finish. Coming off of a great win on the road against USC (3-1), Senior Serena Warner said, “the team really wanted to come out with high intensity and high energy from the very first serve.”
The Ducks never trailed behind in the first two sets and instantly gained control in the third securing the victory. The first set was full of hard earned points by both teams, as the Ducks finished the set with a hitting percentage of .170 compared to Arizona’s .021. The Ducks outshined the rest of the game with thirteen kills each in the last two sets. They had no errors in the second hitting the .448 mark and only three errors in the third.