The hype surrounding Oregon football players this preseason continues to grow. Marcus Mariota, the Ducks’ phenomenal sophomore gunslinger, was named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list on Thursday. The reigning first team Pac-12 quarterback threw for 2677 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, but after a full season under center for Oregon, Mariota is expected to accomplish even more this upcoming fall. Mariota was also previously named to the Maxwell Award watch list, an award given to the nation’s best overall player.
Running back De’Anthony Thomas also racked up another watch list honor Thursday, being selected to the Doak Walker Award national watch list, an award given to the best running back in the country. Thomas, the junior from Los Angeles, California, was also selected to watch lists for the Maxwell Award for player of the year and the Paul Hornung Award for most versatile player. While Thomas is listed on the roster as a running back, he adds much more to the Ducks offensive attack than just simply carrying the ball. Thomas led Oregon in receptions last year (45 for 445 yards) and also handles returning duties.
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Friends and family of former Oregon tennis player Alex Rovello, who tragically passed away this past May, have set up a memorial fund in his name designed to help improve the tennis courts at Berkeley Park in Portland, Oregon. Jim Rovello, Alex’s father, hopes that the money raised will help renovate and clean up the tennis courts that Alex played on as a kid. All renovations conducted will be in memory of Rovello. To give to this fund, please visit ow.ly/mujWz.
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The NCAA announced that they will end their licensing agreement with EA Sports, who recently released their newest version of the best-selling college football franchise NCAA Football. The NCAA cited EA Sports’ illegal use of players name, image and likeness as their reasoning for ending the agreement. Fans of the video game series shouldn’t be worried with the recent news. EA Sports still plans on making a college football video game next season due to their agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company. The only difference will be that the title of the video game will be without anything to do with the NCAA logo and name.