It’s almost as if they are making up awards to hand out to Marcus Mariota. The Heisman front runner, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm recipient took home another award yesterday.
Mariota celebrates with teammates after a touchdown.
Mariota was awarded the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. The Co-Founders of the Polynesian College Football Hall of Fame, Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa, made the announcement yesterday. The award represents the Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Three of the other four players up for the award were also from the Pac-12. Arizona’s QB Anu Solomon, Utah’s DE Nate Orchard and Washington’s LB Hau’oli Kikaha were also nominated for the honor.
Mariota has had a season for the record books. The Oregon quarterback led the nation in passer rating at 186.3, which is third highest of all time. Only Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III had higher ratings in a single season. Mariota also led the nation in all purpose yards with 4,452, and his 53 total touchdowns are also the best in the country.
If Mariota does in fact bring the Heisman trophy to the University of Oregon, he will not only be the first Duck to win the award, but the first player of Polynesian descent to take the honor as well.
Top Photo by Kevin Cline
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Tyler graduated from the University of Oregon’s journalism program back in the spring of 2010. Tyler has loved the Ducks since the days of his youth, and that love has only grown as he’s gotten older. Outside of Oregon football Tyler dives deep into Major League Baseball every year, and considers himself to be a baseball historian of sorts. He also has a Black Labrador named “Page” after Jimmy Page of the mighty Led Zeppelin. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, golfing, and snowboarding even if his skills are questionable at best in those areas.