Marcus Mariota Signs With Oregon Despite Washington Huskies' Efforts To Sway Him

by Brian Floyd

Marcus Mariota, a quarterback from Hawaii, has been committed to the Oregon Ducks for a lengthy amount of time, but that didn’t stop other schools from attempting to make a late run at him. Mariota is a versatile athlete, heading to Eugene as a dual-threat quarterback in Chip Kelly’s spread-option offense. Yet, like many other highly sought after recruits, Mariota watched as schools came calling just before signing day, including the Washington Huskies.

Hawaii’s Star-Advertiser took a look at some of the area recruits heading to the mainland to play college football, including Mariota. Among the notes was the tidbit about Washington calling, and Mariota’s response to the Huskies (H/T Bob Condotta on Twitter).

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to go,” Mariota said.

Even with his solid commitment, Washington was among the schools still trying to phone Mariota up until yesterday. Mariota wouldn’t pick up the phone.

This is what happens when coaches are up against the deadline that is signing day. Every coach in the country makes a last-second push to round out their classes. Nothing is sacred and nobody is off-limits in the cut-throat world of recruiting. This time, however, it looks like Oregon won the battle and the way, keeping Mariota and securing one of the best classes in the Pac-12.