Montana's Profile for Marc Mariani

Solid 3-year starter for one of the nation's top FCS programs. Marc is a 2005 graduate of Haver High School where he earned 10 letters: three each in football and basketball, and four in tennis. He was named all-state at wide receiver and at safety as a senior and at safety as a junior. He was named to the Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State” team at safety as a junior and at wide receiver as a senior. His senior season he had 48 receptions for 1,237 yards and 16 touchdowns. He served as a team captain as a senior in football. His 2004 football team was 12-0 and the state “A” champion. He participated in Montana’s annual East-West Shrine Game. Mariani was also a team captain his junior and senior seasons in both basketball and tennis.

At Montana, Marc redshirted as a true freshman, and was quite small at the time. in 2006, he played in all the Grizzlie's games, but mostly on special teams. In 2007, Marc led the Big Sky and was 11th in the FCS in punt returns (13.32-yard average). He was also an honorable mention All-Big Sky selection as a returner. In 2008, his career as a receiver really began to take off, as his 1,308 receiving yards for 15 touchdowns are the second most in a season at UM. Mariani also led the Big Sky in punt returns, averaging 16.22 an attempt, which ranked him fourth in the nation. He was ranked 29th in the country in receiving yards per game (81.75). In 2009, he tallied 80 catches for 1479 yards (18.5 ypc) for 13 TDs, and returned 32 punts for a 15.8 average and a TD. He also returned 5 kickoffs for a 39 yard average and another TD.

Decent punt returner and possession guy who gets open and uses his hands. Really competes and stretches for the ball. Decent quickness. Good routes and footwork. Knows how to get open. Quick feet and dekes the DB well. Solid punt returner. Understands positioning and use of his body as the ball arrives. FCS's answer to UT's Jordan Shipley. Probably a 4.6 guy, but has some upside and intangibles. Breaks more tackles after the catch than he should for a guy of his dimensions.

Marginal size and speed. Takes a little time to get to top speed. Stats are excellent but has not done it against top level competition. Shows some toughness but not a real threat after the catch. May have a tough time getting off the LOS at the next level.

Priority UDFA.

Your Projected NFL Draft Round: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Undrafted

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