Mallett is off to the NFL

story by Gary Brown, president of College Sports Matchups (CSM is a content partner with The City Wire)
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Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has decided it is time to leave Arkansas and make himself available for the NFL draft.

In a statement released by the university Mallett said, “After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. 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 had good things to say about Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino.

Mallett said, “Coach 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.”

Petrino had plenty of praise for his former quarterback as well saying, “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.”

Petrino also said “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 started his collegiate career at Michigan but transferred to Arkansas when Rich Rodriguez was hired to replace former Wolverine coach Lloyd Carr.

Mallet’s strong arm was a perfect fit for Petrino’s offense and during his time as the Razorback QB he set many records including the single season passing record. He reached that milestone during the Sugar Bowl on a first quarter TD pass of 17 yards to Joe Adams.

Other records held by Mallett include:
• Touchdown passes in a single game — 5
• Consecutive passes without an interception — 141
• Passing yards in a game — 409
• 300 yard career passing games — 14

Mallett threw touchdown passes in 25 of his 26 Razorback starts and 27 of his 29 career starts. He has a career record of 21-8 as a starting quarterback. He was 3-0 at Michigan and 18-8 at Arkansas.

Most draft experts expect Mallett to be a top 10 pick in the NFL draft.