Can Mariota Be The Change The Titans Need?

Saturday, May 09, 2015

Robby Davis, GolocalPDX Contributor

During the 2013-2014 season the Tennessee Titans were among one of the worst teams in the NFL. They finished the season 2-14. At one point Titan fans started a “Suck For The Ducks” campaign in order to increase their draft stock so they could acquire Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.

Well…. it worked.

With the number two pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the Tennessee Titans selected Marcus Mariota.

Leading up to the draft there was plenty of speculation as to where Oregon’s star was going to land. There were rumors of him reuniting with his former coach, Chip Kelly. Unfortunately, the Eagles weren’t able to make a trade happen with the Titans. The San Diego Chargers and the Cleveland Browns were two other teams who were supposedly interested in the Heisman winner.

When it came time for Tennessee to make a final decision they chose to keep the pick and draft Mariota. This could potentially be a franchise altering decision.

According to many draft analysts this was the right pick.

In the NFL somebody’s character is almost as important as what they can do on the field. Over this past year the league has had to deal with numerous issues ranging from violence to drug use.

There’s a common perception that “nice” guys can’t be successful in the NFL. Just look at what happened to Joey Harrington. Maybe Marcus Mariota can break this stereotype.

While at Oregon he was the perfect role model. He was never seen doing anything he wasn’t supposed to do. He even made weekly visits to the Boys and Girls Club located in Eugene, Oregon. The only hiccup on his record was when he got a speeding ticket during the season. Yet, he paid it off immediately and accepted that he was in the wrong. This is something that Duck fans desperately needed to see after witnessing Jeremiah Masoli, Cliff Harris and Colt Lyerla not live up to their full potential because of poor decisions made off the field. To many Duck fans this is what made Mariota so special.

Hopefully, Mariota can be the inspiration that the Tennessee Titans need.

Related Slideshow: Oregon’s Top Pac-12 College Football Players

Here are some of the Oregon players who have managed to make it into the 2014 Top Pac-12 Players List.

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#22 Byron Marshall

College: University of Oregon

Position: Running Back

In 2013 he had 168 carries, 14 touchdowns, 13 catches, 155 receiving yards, and 1,038 rushing yards. It’s no wonder he makes it as #22 on this list. Not only do these stats make him a player to watch, but also a player with a lot of potential to climb the rankings.

Photo Credit: Scott Enyeart (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

Prev Next

#19 Isaac Seumalo

College: Oregon State University

Position: Offensive Lineman

This Offensive Lineman managed to block QB Sean Mannion who set the Pac-12 single-season record with 4,662 yards passing. With his abilities to block in the manner of which he did makes him a prime candidate to possibly win the Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy, and/or Rotary Lombardi Award.

Photo Credit: Karl Maasdam (Own Work) (Image Cropped) Courtesy Oregon State University

Prev Next

#10 Hroniss Grasu

College: University of Oregon

Position: Center

As a junior in 2013 he became one of three Oregon native players to be named All-Pac-12 two seasons in a row. He has managed to lead the offensive line to the conference’s number 1 rushing attack. Entering his final year at U of O, Grasu has started all 40 games of his career at UO making him one of the Duck’s greatest players.

Photo Credit: Daniel Hartwig (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

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#6 Sean Mannion

College: Oregon State University

Position: Quarterback

Ranking here for breaking the Pac-12 single-season record with 4,662 yards thrown, 35 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, this is a player the NFL is watching closely. Already sitting at #10 on the conference’s all-time passing list, it’s going to be a breeze for him to pass Matt Barkley’s record of 12,327 yards thrown.

Photo Credit: Karl Maasdam (Own Work) (Image Cropped) Courtesy Oregon State University

Prev Next

#4 Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

College: University of Oregon

Position: Cornerback

In 2013 he was the second Ducks player to have 84 tackles with 3 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. He is a force to be reckoned with. It has been unanimous that he is to be the 2014 Preseason All-American. It’s also been hinted that he may not last too long in the 2015 NFL draft.

Photo Credit: Daniel Hartwig (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

Prev Next

#1 Marcus Mariota

College: University of Oregon

Position: Quarterback

With stats such as completing 63.5% of his passes with 3,665 yards, 31 touchdowns, only 4 interceptions, rushing a total of 715 yards with 9 touchdowns, this makes him a hot candidate for the NFL. He has managed to make U of O one of the Pac-12 favorite college teams as well as a national title contender. He has also set a U of O single-season record throwing 4,380 total yards and set a Pac-12 record by attempting to throw 353 consecutive passes without interception. He is also in the running to win the Heisman Trophy as a 1A option.

Photo Credit: Scott Enyeart (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)