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On Wednesday, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota signed a promotion deal with Subway restaurants. As part of the promotion, Mariota held a Q&A on SportsCenter's Facebook page.
He answered numerous questions, including ones about who he models his play after, his goals entering the NFL and which all-time great NFL wide receiver he'd like to throw a touchdown pass to.
Below are highlights from the Q&A session:Q: What separates you from other QBs?
Mariota: "I think the versatility, being able to throw within the pocket as well as make plays outside of it makes me unique."
Q: What is probably your favorite thing been about the draft process so far and why?
Mariota: "Traveling across the country and seeing things I hadn't been able to see has been probably the best part about it."
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Q: What kind of things did you learn at Oregon and your home in Hawaii that you can translate to the NFL? Both mentally, physically or spiritual."**
Mariota: "Respecting authority and respecting what's asked of you. Holding yourself accountable. Making sure that every decision you make is not just for yourself but also the people that your represent."
Q: What is your biggest weakness? How do you overcome this to be the best player on the field?
Mariota: "Ball security is definitely my biggest weakness. In order to overcome that, I have to make a bad habit into a good one, making sure I have two hands on the ball and taking care of it at all times. Making sure I'm throwing it to my team and not the other one."
Q: Marcus, who are you looking forward to playing with or against the most in the NFL?
Mariota: "Manti Te'o, just because growing up in Hawai'i I could remember him getting recruited out of high school, so it'd be a fun opportunity to either play with or against him."
Q: If you could throw a TD to any past NFL WR who would it be?
Mariota: "Definitely Jerry Rice. Just because he's the greatest of all time and it'd be cool to throw one to him."
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Photos from Oregon QB Marcus Mariota's private workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Eugene, Oregon.
Q: What is your biggest goal upon entering the NFL?**
Mariota: "My biggest goal is to make an impact, whether that be on or off the field. To go into this organization with the goal to be the best football player I could be and making a contribution to allow us to be successful."
Q: Who do you model your game after most?
Mariota: "I would hope that it'd be Aaron Rodgers to some extent. What he's able to inside the pocket as well as outside has made him a versatile player, and hard to defend."
Q: Do athletes enjoy the draft process as much as fans?
Mariota: "I feel like I have. I think it's a great opportunity to market yourself, and see places you've never been before and meet people who are highly respected within the game."
Q: Did you learn a lot from Gruden's QB boot camp?
A: "I did learn a lot. The TV portion of it only shows however long the segment is, and I really got an opportunity to sit down with Coach Gruden for like three hours. To learn so many different things from him was a great experience."
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Q: What type of player do you want to be in the league?**
Mariota: "I would like to be a versatile player that makes his team the best team each week. I'd like to be an asset to whatever team picks me."
Q: Do you have any advice for High School / College athletes?
Mariota: "Dream big. Strive for the greatest. Once you find that goal, work hard at it and make the most of every opportunity."
Q: What is your favorite color Marcus?
Mariota: "Blue."
Q: How far can you throw a football and why?
Mariota: "I can throw a football probably 70 yards."
Q: Most memorable moment from college?
Mariota: "I would say winning the Pac-12 Championship last year was definitely the most memorable. The hard work the whole team put into last season and to see it rewarded was definitely a special moment for all of us."
Q: What made you wanna become a pro quarterback who inspired you?
Mariota: "I love the game ever since I can remember. It was a dream of mine to be an NFL quarterback. My family has definitely inspired me and make the most of my dreams. I'm looking forward to this one."
