Getty ImagesLast year at this time, Ryan Mallett surprised some observers by announcing his return to Arkansas for another season.
This time around, absolutely no one will be surprised by the quarterback’s decision.
Mallett announced through a school press release that he will be leaving Fayetteville and making himself available for the April NFL draft.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft,” Mallett said at the beginning of a rather lengthy statement. “Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play for the Razorbacks and I am thankful I had the opportunity to do so. A year ago, when I returned to school I said I wanted to help lead this team to a place among the nation’s elite and for the Razorback community to have a mindset to expect greatness. There is no doubt we got there together and this program will continue to play games on the biggest stages and when it does we’ll come out swinging.
“Playing in the NFL is a goal of mine and I am grateful to the people that have prepared me to take the next step. Coach (Bobby) Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen. I’d also like to thank Coach (Garrick) McGee for everything he has done for me and in particular helping develop my mental approach to the game. The leadership of Chancellor David Gearhart and Director of Athletics Jeff Long is a model for me and I am extremely appreciative of the tireless work they do for all University of Arkansas students every day.
“The Razorback fans are the greatest in the country and their support for me and the team throughout my career has been humbling. Arkansas is where my heart is and I’m proud to say that I will always be a Razorback.”
Head coach Bobby Petrino expressed pride in what Mallett accomplished during his time with the Razorbacks.
“I am very proud of Ryan Mallett and I can’t say enough about what he has done for this program. Leaders do their job extremely well and lift everyone around them to compete better and Ryan does those things. One of the greatest parts about coaching is watching individuals become adults while they are in college and Ryan has certainly developed not just as a player, but as a person. I know Ryan will be successful in life and I wish him the best in the NFL.”
Mallett finished his Arkansas career with a game-killing pick as one of the most prolific passers in the school’s history, throwing for 7,496 yards and 62 touchdowns. In 2010, Mallett’s completion percentage jumped from 55.8 to 64.7, although he threw 12 interceptions compared to seven in 2009.
With Andrew Luck‘s decision to remain in school earlier today, there’s a very good chance that Mallett could become the first quarterback taken in the upcoming draft.
I guess Michigan payed more since he spent a year up in Ann Arbor before playing for the team that he always dreamed about when he was a little boy.
He will be a bust. OSU showed if you make him move his feet he gets antsy and inaccurate.
well he will be better when he has a line that stops a 4-man rush
Best arm in football, quite possibly worst footwork in football. He’s got potential to be great, but he’s got to be able to throw on the run in the NFL. Especially playing for the Panthers HAHA
@mashoaf
He went to Michigan because at the time Houston Nutt was head coach of Arkansas, and he ran the ball 99% of the time. Petrino came and he transferred…
I think Houston Nutt might have adjusted his offense to the talents of someone like Mallett. Just sayin’.
Coach (Bobby) Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen. Isn’t that what they said in Atlanta?
Well and Houston Nutt had a freshman QB, and Arkansas High School Legend, Mitch Mustain playing for him when Ryan Mallett was making his decision. Hence Lloyd Carr and Michigan was a good choice – Tom Brady, Elvis Grbac, Brian Griese, Chad Henne, etc.. were recent grads.
Raiders all the way… IF he makes it past the dysfunctional circus known as the Redskins
Houston Nutt could not make adjustments for anyone to throw the ball because long time athletic director Frank Broyles would not let him, he demanded that the team play 1964 football.
Look out NFL, the second coming of Derek Anderson is coming to some fool team who will waste a 1st round pick on this nimrod.
Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen.
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I was a supporter of mallett until I read that statement. The Falcons can attest to the complete lack of character of Petrino. If Mallett thinks otherwise, then I have to question his judgment. I was hoping that he would be drafted by the Dolphins, but we already have a guy that is not very bright. Good judgment and the ability to read a defense are more important than a rocket arm. Hopefully this was just a young kid just trying to be nice
Hello, Mr. Jevan Snead 2.0
Is it too late to trade Arkansas back to the Not-so-big 12 for A&M?
Thanks for nothing pigs, there goes all the Ohio State “winless against the SEC in bowls” jokes.
waynefontes – my aren’t you mr. original? and it would be kinda hard to trade arkansas back to the big 12 considering they never played in the big 12.
@waynefontes
that comment made absolutely no sense. Arkansas beat Texas A&M in the regular season, and Arkansas has never been associated with the Big 12. Learn your facts before you make stupid comments.