The Return of Mariota?

Marcus Mariota would trade his Heisman trophy for the National Championship. After an incredible 2014 season, Mariota and the Oregon Ducks fell one game short of the title. Marcus Mariota has his degree and the Heisman trophy, however he is still missing the the National Championship.  So what is next for Mariota? Many people believe Mariota will be the 1st overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft if he declares, but I wouldn't be so certain. Marcus Mariota is an incredible talent and will do well in the NFL; Is he ready? Mariota still needs some work and could be what makes him fall a few picks in the draft. Another factor is Jameis Winston, he is an incredible and coming from Florida State. FSU is much closer to Tampa Bay, who happens to have the number one pick. The only reason the Buccaneers won't take Winston is because of his off the field issues.

With that being said, flash back to last years college football season . The Oregon Ducks were ranked in the top 3 for the first 12 weeks of the 2013 season. They finished 9th in the AP poll and won the Alamo bowl. Marcus Mariota was thought to be a top pick. Marcus Mariota knew his team fell short, so he decided to return for the 2014 season. He was able to carry the Ducks to the National Championship like he wanted to, but he wasn't able to hoist the trophy. Here we are one year later in the same situation. The Oregon Ducks fell short and Mariota is projected as a top draft pick.

So what does Mariota do? As of right now, the way too early top 25 college football rankings have the Oregon Ducks at 5 and thats assuming Marcus Mariota leaves.

Why Mariota should stay

• He was not able to finish what he started
• He has one final year to accomplish his goal
• The Ducks have a good chance to return to the playoffs
• He could improve his skills to become more NFL ready
• He has another chance at the Heisman 

Why Mariota should enter the draft

• He is a top draft pick 
• He already passed on the draft once 
• It's not easy to bring a team back to the National Championship
• A lot of money comes from the NFL 
• He could fall in the 2016 NFL draft due to injury, poor play, or another QB

As a Oregon Ducks fan, I would love to see Mariota return. They were so close this year, and they have a great chance to return. However the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be a good spot for him to begin his NFL career, if he gets drafted number one. The problem is he will have high expectations for instant success, but he just isn't quite NFL ready.

Mariota will enter the draft but don't be suprised if he goes back to Eugene for one last season.

Marcus Mariota has a lot to think about before the Thursday deadline for college players to declare for the draft.