As a former Oregon quarterback, Akili Smith is quite naturally a fan of current Ducks signal-caller Marcus Mariota. But as a former No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft and someone who knows plenty about the difficulties of making the transition from college to the NFL, Smith sees a top-notch pro prospect in Mariota, as well.
"The kid is absolutely flawless," said Smith, according to The Oregonian. "His ball mechanics, his balance, his arm speed, the way that he runs, his decision making, everything is poetry in motion."
The Cincinnati Bengals chose Smith with the third pick of the 1999 draft, but after posting record-setting numbers in two seasons with the Ducks, his NFL career went nowhere. He lasted four years with the Bengals, appearing in just three games over his last two seasons. Earlier this summer, Smith voiced concerns that Cleveland Browns first-round pick Johnny Manzielcould be headed down Smith's path where commitment to the profession is concerned.
Because of how highly he was drafted, the position he played, and how quickly he was out of the league, Smith is considered one of the most notable busts in draft history. Now coaching high school football in La Jolla, Calif., Smith called Mariota's potential "off the charts."
Mariota, a redshirt junior, is widely regarded as one of the elite NFL prospects at quarterback in the college game, and could turn pro after the season. In fact, he gave turning pro after last year some thought before opting to return to Oregon in January. He engineered an impressive comeback win over then-No.7 Michigan State last week, and is considered an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
"He does not get rattled," Smith said, per The Oregonian. "He keeps that same little face throughout the game similar to Tom Brady. Brady very rarely gets rattled and screaming on the sideline, but Mariota is an even-keel all game. When a quarterback has that type of face and approach to the game I guarantee that game is in slow motion."
Mariota fell just short of Smith's Oregon record for single-season passing yards last season with 3,665 (Smith had 3,763 in 1998). Mariota would do well to match Smith both as a college quarterback and as a top-five draft pick.
Where his NFL career is concerned, however, his hopes will no doubt be higher.
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