Combine Notes: Mariota Talks Eagles
Marcus Mariota. USA Today
INDIANAPOLIS — Marcus Mariota let out a laugh when asked about the hype in Philly surrounding a possible reunion between he and Chip Kelly.
“It is what it is. It’s kind of fun to talk about,” said Mariota, “but we don’t have any control in this process, so we’ll see what happens.”
Has he considered playing for Kelly again and does he think it’s possible?
“Yeah, why not?” he said.
Mariota has not met with Kelly at the NFL Scouting Combine as of yet but did have a sitdown with new Eagles quarterbacks coach Ryan Day. Safe to say, Kelly does not have much work to do when it comes to the vetting process with this prospect. Those that have met with the signal-caller have apparently been impressed.
Mariota absolutely killing it in combine interview process. Told he is as/more impressive than R.Wilson was, which is significant.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 19, 2015
Mariota has been training with now-Browns QB coach Kevin O’Connell as well as Philip Rivers during the run-up to the combine, working on details that will be key to his transition to a pro style offense. He believes he will be able to handle the adjustment. And while the doubts about him serve as a bit of motivation, he said it’s not a driving force.
“There’s a purpose of why I’m here and why I’m standing in front of you, because I love the game, I want to be a part of this game for a long time,” he said. “My motivation isn’t to prove anybody wrong; my motivation is to make a dream come true for me.”
Eagles meet with Yeldon
The running backs are speaking with the media today along with the quarterbacks and receivers. One of the top prospects, Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon, revealed that he has had a meeting with the Eagles’ brass.
Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon said Eagles are one of four teams he’s met with so far at combine. Others: Seattle, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. — Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) February 19, 2015
Yeldon (6-2,221) rushed for 979 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He is currently projected as a Day 2 pick.