Mariota will stay at Oregon

Dec 3, 2013 - 10:55 PM Eugene, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - Marcus Mariota will return to the University of Oregon in 2014.

The school revealed the news on Tuesday, adding that center Hroniss Grasu will also remain with the program.

"It is an honor to be a student at the University of Oregon and to have the opportunity to represent our institution on the football field alongside my teammates," said Mariota. "I look forward to earning my degree next year and to the rest of my career at this great University."

Touted as being near the head of next year's potential draft class, Mariota has thrown for 3,412 yards and 30 touchdowns on 227-of-360 passes this year as the 10-2 Ducks await a bowl selection. His 3,994 yards of total offense this season stands as a single-season school record.

A two-time selection as Oregon's most outstanding player and last season's Pac-12 offensive freshman of the year, Mariota has racked up 6,089 passing yards and 62 TDs against just 10 interceptions over his two seasons with Oregon.

Grasu will return for his senior season. He was a 2012 third-team all-America selection, and is a candidate for the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy this season.

"The University of Oregon is a special place and I'm extremely happy to be returning for my senior year," Grasu said. "To be a student-athlete in this community is an honor and an experience I'll continue to cherish with my teammates."