Marcus Mariota Credits Soccer For Growth As Athlete

Marcus Mariota credits playing soccer when he was young for developing his athleticism, fundamentals and intelligence.

"I think soccer is a great fundamental sport -- I think it built a foundation for me as an athlete," Mariota told WGFX-FM in Nashville, via ESPN.com. "Whether that's my footwork now, or relative to just kind of seeing the field and instincts.

"I think soccer is just such a game where you have to understand the complexities and the system of what's going on, and you have to know that before you get the ball. And once you get the ball, you have to react. I think that has helped my growth not only as a football player but as an athlete."