Heisman winner Jameis Winston embarrassed himself, and Florida State by shouting an obscenity at the center of campus. He spent Wednesday apologizing. This comes post-crab legs incident. This also comes two months after Winston said, "I accept the responsibility of the spotlight."

I know the Heisman vote is months away, but on a day such as today Winston cuts a pretty stark contrast to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, who doesn't just sound like a guy who accepts the responsibility of the spotlight, but also really does.

I've interviewed Mariota regularly since he took over under center for the Ducks. I figured this week might be a good time to let fans talk with him. I know this made Oregon nervous, but Mariota loved the idea of taking calls from fans and listeners.

On the flip vs. Wyoming... running to that corner in a national-title game, would he do it again?

"Yeah. Of course. To me, that's a football play."

Does he feel like a counselor and leader as an older teammate?

"A lot of times as an older player I've learned you've got to help any way you can with the younger players. Whether it's giving someone a ride or explaining how things work or why we do what we do... the greatest thing about our culture is that it's out of passion and out of love. It's team-first."

Riley asked Mariota... what is your favorite route to throw to a receiver?

"I definitely like to throw a deep post or something over the top that gives a receiver time to run under it and score a touchdown."

Does Mariota feel he operates with different rules given that he's on a Heisman platform?

"When you sign your letter of intent to go to college you kind of sign away, and understand that you have certain rules and obligations that you have that normal students don't have... it's part of the process, being apart of the university and what you represent."

Gonzo asked... who is Mariota's biggest influence?

"Biggest influence is my parents. It's funny but my mom was the first one that allowed me to play tackle football. My dad was not ready to let me play yet. She definitely was the one who allowed me to do it. Obviously my dad taught me to throw and be a quarterback... I was seven or eight or eight/nine. I played flag football before that.... my dad was like, 'I don't know if he's ready yet,' and my mom said 'You won't know until he tries.'"

Mariota said those roles have switched.

"My mom is now like, 'You took a couple of big hits out there.'"

Is Mariota afraid of snakes or spiders?

"I'm not a fan of spiders... I tend to avoid them as much as I can."

On which NFL quarterback he watches:

"I love watching Aaron Rodgers.... he does a great job of sliding in and out of the pocket and providing more time for himself and being able to throw the ball down the field... a lot of times I'd like to emulate some of the things he does in the pocket and like to be able to throw the ball down the field."