Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Marcus Mariota is in the midst of a busy week -- one made hectic due to a whole lot of winning. 

Tuesday saw the explosive quarterback add another honor to his trophy case. The Polynesian College Football Hall of Fame named Mariota, who is of Samoan descent, its first-ever Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa, the organization's co-founders, made the announcement in Honolulu -- Mariota's hometown. 

"We congratulate Marcus on this historic accomplishment," Tanuvasa said. "He is a great role model for our youth and a great source of pride for Polynesians everywhere." 

Hawaii's Scott Harding, Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha, Utah's Nate Orchard, and Arizona's Anu Solomon were also finalists. 

Mariota's sensational season has put him at the top of the nation's quarterback heap. Among his impressive numbers, this nugget might be the most staggering: Mariota has accounted for 53 total touchdowns (passing and rushing) against only two interceptions. 

That's why this week is so busy for him. 

Last Friday, Mariota led the Ducks to a 51-13 romp over Arizona in the Pac-12 championship game. Another gaudy statistical performance (300-plus passing yards, two rushing touchdowns) earned him title game MVP honors. 

On Monday, Mariota was officially named a Heisman trophy finalist. That means he'll be in New York City this coming Saturday, but not until after a quick stop in Orlando on Thursday for The Home Depot College Football Awards Show, where he's a finalist for the Maxwell Award (player of the year) and the Davey O'Brien Award (best quarterback). 

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