Marcus Mariota back in Hawaii and looking to add some weight

Lean and tanned while vacationing at home, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota said he hopes to add a little weight for the 2019 season.

Mariota played most of the 2018 season at 215 pounds but said “I’m trying to get little heavier for this year. I think it would help me absorb some of the hits. Durability is the (key). I haven’t been able to play a full season yet.”

Mariota missed two games last season, including the season finale against Indianapolis, and had to leave three others due to injuries.

Mariota, who will begin his fifth season in the NFL, said, “I don’t have a (weight) number in mind right now. If I can be a little heavier, move around and feel good, that’s what I’d like. I’ll have to see how I feel.”

He suffered three nerve-related injuries in 2018 but said he is about to throw the ball well now. “The shoulder, the arm, all of that, is good. just have to be smart about what I’m doing right now and when I get back to Nashville. I should be good to go in September (the the regular season starts).”

He said he expects to be in Nashville in advance of the April 15 reporting date.

Mariota is holding his third annual Motiv8 Foundation golf tournament and fundraiser at Oahu Country Club today. Brad Hiranaka of Kauai Youth Football and Stephen Ferguson, Lanai High football coach, were named winners of the Ardell Deppe Community Football Coaching Awards.

They will each receive $5,000 worth of Riddell football equipment for their teams through the Motiv8 Foundation