Mariota declares for NFL Draft

EUGENE - University of Oregon officials confirmed Wednesday that Ducks' quarterback Marcus Mariota is leaving the school to enter the NFL Draft.

"After meeting with my family I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL Draft," Mariota said in a statement. "My four years at the University of Oregon have been an awesome experience. I cannot thank Coach Kelly, Coach Helfrich, Coach Frost, the rest of the Oregon coaches and the support staff enough for molding me as a person, player and student-athlete.The support I received from the University, the city of Eugene and Duck fans has been tremendous. I will always remember the great times and support I received. Once a Duck always a Duck. I will miss being with my teammates.  Being a part of this team was something special that I will always treasure."

Mariota compiled a 32-5 record in three seasons as the Ducks' starting signal-caller, setting an NCAA record by recording a touchdown pass in each of his 41 college starts. He is the first duck to wint he Heisman Trophy and the forst to be named first team all-conference quarterback three times. 

"It's been an honor to watch Marcus develop over the last four years, and I'm excited to see what his future holds," UO coach Mark Helfrich said in a statement. "He's given this program everything we could have asked, and he'll be the standard by which others are judged. Mahalo."