Everything’s There But the Fire

Everything’s There But the Fire

Mariota faced possibly the toughest defense he’ll see this year when the Ducks hosted the Spartans on Sept. 6. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

At 6-4 and 219, the Hawaii native has the stature for the pros. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Mariota reportedly was clocked at a sub-4.5 40. What’s not in doubt is that he has the speed to outrun most defenders. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

As with all running QBs, Mariota exposes himself to tough hits when he tucks the ball and takes off. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Delivery: More “easy cheese” than cannon. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Though typically quiet, Mariota gets as pumped as anyone in big games. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Mariota’s running shows toughness and elusiveness in equal measure. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Another big plus for pro scouts: A football mind and work ethic that are unquestioned. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

His scrambling style evokes another West Coast QB from an unorthodox system: Colin Kaepernick. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Having developed in Oregon’s spread, Mariota will need some retooling if he’s drafted into a more pro-style system. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Mariota’s savvy play against Michigan State showed he has the ability to run a full-progression-read offense. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

A Pac-12 title—and college football playoff berth—would be a fitting cap to Mariota’s Oregon tenure. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)

Hard to argue with success. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)