The 2022/23 BUCS American football season begins this weekend and Carnegie American Football have a new quarterback, with a familiar name.
Former Oregon player Matt Mariota is one of a handful of players to make the move from the US to Leeds this season and is setting his bar high.
“My aims are simple, bring the championship back,” he said. “I also want to have fun with the guys and make some memories.”
“Coach is great. He knows his football and loves it so it’s really easy to talk to him. The transition has been easy and everything has been good.”
Weight of a family name
To NFL fans, the name Mariota is also familiar as Matt’s older brother, Marcus, is Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback.
During his college career, Marcus became the first Hawaii-born and Oregon player to win the Heismann Trophy in 2014.
He was drafted by Tennessee Titans in 2015 and also played for Las Vegas Raiders.
Matt spoke highly of his brother, saying: “Even at Oregon and St Louis, he’s always been really helpful. Any questions I have, he’s great at explaining things and he’s been a good older brother for the most part.
“Maybe we’ll see him come over after the season is over!”
Coaches notes
In his first season as head coach, Jason Shaw has been impressed by how the team has bonded so quickly.
He said: “They all seem to be having fun. It seems like a group of guys that have known each other for a long time.
“Matt didn’t come as a QB but he’s a talented athlete. He’s got all the ingredients we need to be a great quarterback this year.”
Carnegie American Football kick off their season against Stirling at West Park Rugby Club this Sunday, kick off 3pm.
