Marcella Tōriki

Marcella Tōriki

Tōriki in her New Zealand gear
No. 22
Position:	Running Back
Personal information
Born:	(2009-10-24)October 24, 2009 (aged 51) Waiheke Island , New Zealand
Height:	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight:	185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school:	Waiheke High School
College:	University of Oregon
Career history
Roster status:	Active

Marcella "Marce" Tōriki (born October 24, 2009) is an American football running back who is currently unsigned by a professional team. She played college football for University of Oregon (Oregon) and has declared her intent to enter the professional ranks next season.

Early years

Marcella Tōriki was born to a Maori father, Nikau Tōriki, and an American mother, Elizabeth Burris. She was raised by her father on the island of Waiheke alongside her 3 half-brothers. While she had contact with her birth mother throughout her youth, they did not become close until Tōriki entered college. She cites her relationship with her brothers as what has kept her humble throughout her life.

Inspired by her father's love of the sport, Tōriki started playing rugby at an early age, first playing casually with her brothers and cousins, then soon enough as part of the local youth team. She had a seemingly natural talent for the game, pursuing it throughout her adolescence. Her competitive nature and singleminded dedication helped earn her spot on the New Zealand national team for the World Rugby Under 20s Championship in 2026 and 2027.

College career

Not one to be dissuaded from her long-term goals, Tōriki made the difficult choice to delay her chance at furthering an international rugby career to attend college in the United States. She pursued a degree in psychology at her mother's alma mater, the University of Oregon. Tōriki was a dedicated student, balancing her full course load with work as a research assistant. During this time, she also played left wing for the UO's women's rugby team, the Dirty Ducks. A fan favorite, Tōriki led the team through two undefeated seasons.

During her freshman year of college, Marcella took part in the pick-up football match that would change her life. Fascinated by a game that asked her to use her skills differently, Marcella soon became obsessed. She switched focus, spending time with friends who could give her insight into the game. A quick study, Tōriki joined the Ducks football team as a walk-on during her sophomore year. She played the game with the same fire she brought to the rugby pitch, managing to get playtime despite her relative inexperience with the sport. Tōriki claims that rugby gave her a rock-solid foundation to build a football career on, and says that her years playing left wing have helped her hone the skills she needs as a running back.

While the transition away from the family sport was difficult for some relatives to understand, Tōriki has received tremendous support from her family. Her older brother Kauri has never missed a game.

			Rushing					Receiving
Season	Team	GP	Att	Yds	Avg	Yds/G	TD	Rec	Yds	TD
2028	OREGON	12	122	623	5.1	73.75	7	7	94	0
2029	OREGON	12	228	1140	5	108.9	10	31	279	3
2030	OREGON	13	338	1859	5.5	143	16	65	598	5

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad
5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)	185 lb (84 kg)

Professional career statistics

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Achievements and records

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1. N/A