After Marcus Mariota led the Oregon Ducks to a dominating second half in the win over the No. 7 ranked Michigan State Spartans on Saturday the debate intensified about who the best quarterback in college is between Mariota and Florida State Seminoles’ quarterback Jameis Winston.
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Winston is the defending Heisman Trophy winner and the first freshman signal-caller to lead a team to a BCS Championship and the No. 1 player on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s NFL Draft big board, but WalterFootball.com reports it is Mariota who may be the better pro prospect.
"“A high-ranking scouting director told us that Mariota is not overrated at all and that he’s better than Blake Bortles and every quarterback prospect from the 2014 draft. He noted that Mariota is a tough player with athleticism, arm strength and size. Sources from another team said that Mariota will need to be taught how to thrive as a pocket passer, but he is known to be a good kid and hard worker, so they think he can learn it.”"
Mariota has been compared to Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick for his dual-threat ability while Winston has been criticized for his leadership skills and off-the-field concerns, including a sexual assault investigation and a shoplifting incident that resulted in his being suspended from the Florida State baseball team.
“Winston has a habit of getting himself in trouble. Sources from a quarterback-needy team said they are very worried about character concerns with Winston and his maturity off the field.”
If you’re an NFL general manager in need of a franchise quarterback and have the No.1 pick in the 2015 draft and both quarterbacks are on the board, which one are you taking?
Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.