Arkansas Razorbacks: Hogs QB Ryan Mallett will enter NFL Draft

January 06, 2011|by Chris Replogle, KY3 News | creplogle@ky3.com

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- A record-breaking career is over for Hogs fans. University of Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett will forgo his final season to enter the 2011 National Football League draft. The Texarkana, Texas, native played only two seasons in Fayetteville after transferring from the University of Michigan after his freshman season.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL draft," Mallett said. "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."

Mallett's time was short but productive at Arkansas. The 6-foot-7 junior broke or tied 45 school records, including 62 touchdown passes. In 2010, Mallett threw for 3,869 yards, 32 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He's just the fourth quarterback in Southeastern Conference history to throw for 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.

"I am very proud of Ryan Mallett and I can't say enough about what he has done for this program," said Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino. "Leaders do their job extremely well and lift everyone around them to compete better and Ryan does those things."

Mallett threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State, the school's first BCS bowl. Last season, he was named the Liberty Bowl's Most Outstanding Player.

The NFL tempted Mallett after that sophomore campaign. However, he then said he wanted to stay in school to complete his degree and settle unfinished business on the field.

"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," said Mallett. "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."

Most analysts expect Mallett to be one of the top signal-callers selected in April's draft. His decision comes hours after likely number-one overall pick, University of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, said he was staying in school. The NFL draft deadline to remove a player's name is Jan. 18.

"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," said Petrino. "I know Ryan will be successful in life and I wish him the best in the NFL."

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