Owen Marecic, 2010 Winner

Press Release: Marecic Named Paul Hornung Award Winner

By Emilie Deutsch

There is no record of how quickly back-to-back touchdowns have been scored in a major college game by the same player on offense and defense, but it is likely, Stanford's Owen Marecic owns that record - and it might just stand for all time. In a 13-second span against Notre Dame this season, Marecic somersaulted over the scrum to score a touchdown as a fullback, and then intercepted a pass and ran it 20 yards into the endzone for another score as a linebacker. After those two extraordinary plays, he jogged to the sidelines, clutching the ball, and chest-bumped his coach, Jim Harbaugh.

When Harbaugh had approached Marecic his junior year and asked if he would consider playing both ways for the Cardinal, Marecic didn't hesitate. "It was an exciting challenge to see if i had what it takes to do it, and Coach Harbaugh was always willing to challenge us to do something no one else thought was possible."

Marecic took that challenge and turned it into an extraordinary season in 2010, including selection as the inaugural Paul Hornung Award winner. He started in all 13 of Stanford's games, 9 on both sides of the ball. He averaged 110 plays per game - equivalant to nearly two full seasons - and was the only two-way starting player among 120 Football Subdivision teams. Stanford finished 12-1, including a win in the Orange Bowl, to complete the best Cardinal season in 70 years. A devasting blocker, Marecic also scored 5 touchdowns, recorded 51 tackles, including 2 sacks, and had 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. He was named first team Pac-10 fullback and honorable mention all-conference linebacker.

But Marecic's greatest contribution to the team might have been his quiet leadership. He diligently prepared his body and his mind in the off-season for the duty of playing both ways, spending extra time conditioning, studying field and learning two playbooks. At the same time, he continued to do well academically, maintaining a 3.8 grade point average - highest on the team - in Human Biology.

"He has exceptional ability to focus on the task at hand, and that is the essence of who he is," notes his father, Jeff. "The thing that impresses me about Owen is his ability to concentrate on the present, then move onto the next thing, to pour himself into what is important at the time."

Marecic was born October 4, 1988, and moved with his family to New Jersey, Boston, Los Angelese and finally Portland, Oregon as the family followed his father's career as an information technology executive. Owen played soccer, basketball and baseball as a youngster, but football was by far his favorite.

"It was the sport I was best at, and I've always really liked the preparation for football - lifting weights and running," says Marecic. "But it's also so much fun. It's the ultimate team sport. There's noting like coming together with a group of guys and accomplishing something special."

At Jesuit high School in Portland, the coach took one look at Marecic, who had always played quarterback, and asked him to move to fullback. He agreed immediatley. "He was probably relieved," says Jeff Marecic. "He doesn't really like the spotlight, and playing fullback suited him just fine."

Marecic also played linebacker, and helped Jesuit to state championsips as a junior and senior. Stanford recognized his talent and Harbaugh's guidance, it turned out to be the perfect place for him to blossom. 

"In 30 years in college and pro football, I haven't seen a guy like him," says Harbaugh. "He has everything - strength, humility, intelligence. He's the perfect player."

Marecic's plan is to attend medical school, somehow fitting in and around any opportunities he has to play football professionally. Through all of the accomplishments, he remains humble and deeply grateful to those who have helped him along the way. "I wish I could really express how important my family has been in my personal success. They are the most powerful influence in my life, and their inspiration, support and courage have been my biggest source of strength."

Emilie Deutsch, VP or Orginal Programming for CBS College Sports Network is a 6-time Emmy award winner and graduate of Stanford University.