NEW YORK >> In its 80th year, the Heisman Memorial Trophy is Hawaii-bound after Saint Louis School graduate Marcus Mariota was awarded the iconic bronze statue today on national TV.

The University of Oregon quarterback won the award, symbolic of being the nation’s top college football player, over two other finalists — Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper and Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon — receiving 90.92 percent of the total points, second highest all-time behind Ohio State’s Troy Smith.

"You dream about the Heisman, every player does, but to actually receive it is a real dream come true," Mariota said. "I feel blessed and honored."

Mariota is the first player from Hawaii, and the first for the University of Oregon, to win the award.

Choking up with emotion and pausing several times to regain his voice, Mariota accepted the Heisman Trophy with a tearful, heartfelt three-minute speech that had even his father, Toa, wiping away tears.

With characteristic humility, Mariota thanked his offensive line, skill players, defense, coaches and parents, as well as those who stuck with him over the years. Mariota, who is of Samoan and German ancestry, concluded by giving thanks in Samoan.

‘"A speech we will never forget," said ESPN host Chris Fowler.

Mariota received 788 of 891 first place votes and totaled 2,534 points, more than doubling the points of second-place Gordon. Cooper was third with 1,023 points.

Mariota, who didn’t start until his senior season in high school for the Crusaders, said he never could have imagined a Heisman while backing up Jeremy Higgins as a sophomore and junior.

"Not at all," Mariota said. "When I was at Saint Louis my main focus was to get on the field. That it has come all the way to this point has been a special journey and I’ve been very blessed."

He said he hoped the honor would inspire other players in Hawaii "to reach for greatness."

The Heisman was the fifth — and, by far, biggest — major national award bestowed upon Mariota this week. A redshirt junior who is eligible to return to Oregon next season but will likely depart for the NFL Draft, Mariota has led the Ducks to a 12-1 record and a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Oregon plays unbeaten Florida State on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl, a CFP semifinal game.

Mariota helped get the Ducks there by leading the nation in passing efficiency, total touchdowns, points responsible for, quarterback rating and yards per pass attempt. He passed for 3,783 yards and 38 touchdowns and was intercepted just twice. He also ran for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In three seasons, during which Mariota has started all 39 games, the Ducks have gone 35-4.

Cooper led the nation in pass receptions and receiving yards. Gordon topped the country in rushing and set an NCAA record for yards rushing in a game, 408 against Nebraska.

Three other players from Hawaii — Manti Te’o (2012), Jason Gesser (2002), Herman Wedemeyer (1945 and ’46) — had finished in the top 10 of past Heisman voting.

Gesser, a quarterback who led Washington State to the Rose Bowl, and Wedemeyer, a halfback who played for St. Mary’s and went to TV fame on Hawaii Five-O, are Saint Louis graduates. Te’o, a Notre Dame linebacker who finished second to Johnny Manziel, is a Punahou School graduate.

Saint Louis hailed Mariota’s breakthrough victory.

"We congratulate Marcus Mariota for winning the 2014 Heisman Award!" said school president Walter Kirimitsu, who was in New York for the presentation.

"We are truly proud of Marcus in all of his achievements, on-the-field, in academics and character," Kirimitsu said.

"Since his graduation from Saint Louis School in 2010, Marcus has had a meteoric rise in his collegiate football career, and has continued to be an ambassador and role model in solid character and sound moral judgment. Marcus continues to be a great role model in the spiritual, academic, physical and emotional development of the whole person, traits that we strive to develop at Saint Louis School."