Ohio State redshirt QB Sean Collier did his best Marcus Mariota impression this week

When Ohio State backup quarterback Sean Collier returned to his locker in Columbus, Ohio, this week, Marcus Mariota was waiting for him.

Someone — he still doesn’t know who — placed a cardboard cutout of Mariota in his locker to kickoff what would be a week of intense film study for the redshirt, who had been tasked with emulating the opposing quarterback every week this season.

Teammates also started calling him Marcus to help him stay in character.

“It’s been kind of a fun deal,” Collier said during media day in Dallas on Saturday. "I'll just be around the dorm and everybody's like, 'Sup Marcus.' I get the gist now, it's just funny."

But pretending he’s the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback off the field has been a far easier challenge than actually becoming him on it. Collier, who has been studying film since the team returned from Ohio, said the Mariota’s unique combination of being an effective runner and passer has been a challenge, but that he’s drawn on some of the other quarterback’s he’s imitated this season as a guide.

“It’s been an everyday affair,” Collier said of studying Mariota. “Obviously been watching him. I can’t even say the amount of hours, but it’s been a lot for sure.

“Between Connor Cook’s passing and Keenan Reynolds from Navy, who obviously did a great job of running, those are two separate deals, but Marcus has them booth. So that’s probably been the hardest.”

Collier’s role as the opposing quarterback has been integral to the Buckeyes success this season and it’s a role he takes seriously because he knows that’s how he can help contribute to the team’s success. Even with all of the injuries at quarterback, Collier will not see the field. The coaching staff has agreed to keep his redshirt intact even if starter Cardale Jones is stricken with injury during the national championship game.

“I’m all for it,” Collier said of preserving his redshirt. “Obviously, if this happens n Game 3 or something, that’s a different situation, but to burn it over one game I mean, it wouldn’t be advantageous. But, I mean, if I had to do it, I definitely would.”

But for now, Collier is happy helping the defense prepare for the opposing quarterback and he thinks this week might have been his finest work.

"I think I did a good job," he said.

For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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