The wait is over!....sorta. The Oregonian's Aaron Fentress is reporting that, according to a team source, Marcus Mariota has been named Oregon's starting Quarterback. The redshirt freshman from Hawaii wowed Oregon fans in the spring game earlier this year, beating out early favorite Bryan Bennett, who stepped in last season for an injured Darron Thomas. Mariota will be the first freshman QB to start the year for the Ducks since Danny O'Neil in 1991.
On the Dan Patrick Show this morning, Chip Kelly said he would be naming a starter this afternoon, but was going to talk with the players before releasing the two-deep to the public. We can only assume that players were told, and this has leaked. We can expect a confirmation of this later this afternoon.
When this type of announcement happens, it's always bittersweet. I am very excited to see what Mariota can do with the Oregon offense, but I also feel bad for Bryan Bennett.
Stay tuned to Addicted To Quack for all the latest news. After the jump, I put Mad Mike's spring game highlights as well as an interview with Mariota after yesterday's scrimmage. I can't wait to watch Mariota throwing TDs in Autzen in a week. GO DUCKS!
[UPDATE] It's official. Per Andy McNamara:
Oregon head coach Chip Kelly has named redshirt freshman Marcus Mariota as the Ducks' new starting quarterback
— Andy McNamara (@McNamaraUO) August 24, 2012#GoDucks