UNDER CENTER, MARIOTA THROWS AT OREGON’S PRO DAY

COURTESY: GODUCKS.COM
IMAGE © GODUCKS.COM

by UO Athletic Communications Staff

Marcus Mariota taking snaps under center is a foreign sight for many Duck fans, but the No. 1-rated quarterback prospect according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper showed growth in the adjustment Thursday afternoon at Oregon’s pro day in the Moshofsky Center.

“It was a little different, but again it was fine,” said Mariota, referring to being under center. “For us it’s unique, so we’re able to enjoy that and start to get used to it again, it was fun.”

With roughly 50 NFL scouts, general managers and coaches present at Oregon’s pro day, Cleveland Browns quarterback coach Kevin O’Connell put Mariota and five wide receivers through varying routes, types of throws and three- to seven-step drops in the pocket. Mariota threw roughly 66 balls and only missed on seven throws (59-of-66) with one coming from a drop.

“I thought I did well,” said Mariota on dropping back. “I think stuff that you begin to learn once the season is done. It’s something I’ve gotten more comfortable with.”

The Heisman Trophy winner threw to a variety of different receivers, all of which were Ducks at one point; graduating seniors Keanon Lowe and Kenny Bassett, and former wide receivers Daryle Hawkins and Lavasier Tuinei.

Most importantly for Mariota, however, might have been that he was taking snaps from his old roommate and teammate, Hroniss Grasu. Grasu alluded to a familiarity to snapping the ball with the quarterback under center that was built into practices throughout their college career.

“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.”

Prior to catching balls from Mariota, Lowe flashed his change of direction and raw speed in the shuttle (4.34) and in the 40-yard dash (4.46/4.52). Lowe did not compete at the combine, but his play sparked the interest of many scouts.

“There have been a couple of teams that I’ve caught the eye of and talked to a little bit,” said Lowe. “I’m just excited to keep playing football and get in where I get in.”

In addition to dropping back, Mariota added another concept to his day that is commonly found in the NFL – huddling. He and the other receivers would huddle every few plays and get squared away on the routes and plays, similar to how most NFL teams do every Sunday.

“That was Marcus’ idea,” said Lowe on the huddling. “We went over that script three or four times this week and he wanted to huddle up every play. He really took control of that work and did really well.”

After today, Mariota will continue visiting and working out for teams privately in the next couple months so general managers and coaches can get a closer look at the 6-foot-4 Hawaiian.

An AFC quarterback coach described Mariota at the NFL Combine in an understated fashion that Mariota would likely prefer, “I know this, I wouldn’t bet against Mariota. He’s a good football player.”

Other Ducks
Three members of the Ducks’ secondary – Erick Dargan, Troy Hill and Dior Mathis – participated in virtually every event and impressed the scouts plenty. Dargan cranked out 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press while Hill posted a 34-inch vertical jump and an unofficial 6.67 on the 3-cone drill, both marks surpassing his previous highs recorded at the combine (32.5 inches and 6.81).

Mathis thrived in the running and jumping events, claiming top marks on the day in the vertical jump (36.5 inches), broad jump (10-feet-3-inches) and arguably ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.37/4.4). Ifo Ekpre-Olomu participated in the bench press and completed 14 reps, but was unable to compete in anything else due to the knee injury he suffered in early January.

The departing linebackers who partook were Tony Washington and Derrick Malone Jr. Washington added a few reps to his bench press number (20) and shaved off .08 seconds from his 3-cone drill time (7.20) from the combine. Malone showed his strength on the bench with 25 reps – tied for second on the day, but was unable to run in the 40 due to calf cramps.

Hamani Stevens was the only lineman to bench, and he pushed out 31 reps to the howls of his teammates. Hroniss Grasu participated in the broad jump, three-cone and shuttle, but wasn’t joined by Jake Fisher until the offensive lineman-specific drills in the latter part of the day, in which all three participated in.

Arik Armstead also took part in defensive-linemen drills, but did not participate in anything further after posting exceptional marks at the combine.

Until the NFL Draft on April 30-May 2, Oregon’s pro day participants will continue working out and meeting with individual teams as the spring months wear on.

 .