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Mallett is currently in the process of rehabbing from foot surgery and expectations in Arkansas are higher than they have been in years. The quarterback has the extra scrutiny of being a Heisman hopeful and the defending BCS Champion Alabama Crimson Tide continue to stand in the Razorbacks’ way in the SEC West. Oh…and there’s also the constant speculation regarding both his draft stock and status for the 2011 NFL Draft. When asked him if he was still riding a scooter and wearing a boot on his foot Mallett answered, “I’m not on the scooter anymore” but didn’t mention the boot. Whether he is pro-ready is a passer remains to be seen, but the Arkansas signal caller already understands the craft of answering questions without revealing much. Furthermore, Mallett never stated he was going to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft following his junior campaign, though he did reveal that he is only 15 credit hours from graduating. He is scheduled to knock off 12 of those credit hours this fall, which would leave him just three credits shy come spring. Mallett mentioned that those could be completed over the Internet…presumably around the NFL Scouting Combine or while he’s working out at one of the nation’s top workout facilities should he choose to forgo his final season as a collegian. In all likelihood we won’t know whether he declares for the draft until January, but it appears he has scheduled his spring so that he will have no interference with his preparation. While there is some conjecture involved when it comes to his professional career, it is crystal clear that Mallett has an affinity and loyalty not only to the University of Arkansas, but the entire state as well. Even with his injury, in a weak 2010 quarterback class the SEC product could have gone in the first round of last April’s draft had he declared as a red-shirt sophomore. Despite having just two college seasons under his belt, the fact Mallett was three years removed from high school (he sat out the 2008 season after transferring from Michigan) meant he was eligible to declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.
The first reason was that Mallett promised his mother he would graduate from college before he left for the NFL. A simple, but powerful promise; I know I wouldn’t dare break a promise I made to my mother. The other reason was that he felt he could not just leave his teammates and the fans at Arkansas after only one season. Not when Arkansas took him in after his once-assured status as the future quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines was deposed by Rich Rodriguez, who had no need for a pro-style signal caller. Arkansas’ teammates, coaches, and fans took him in, Mallett explained, and he owes them more than one good season. He wants to win the SEC title for them. Mallett, who created a bit of a stir by missing out on this summer’s Manning Passing Academy, felt it was necessary to remain in Arkansas and keep his head in his studies, playbook, and rehabilitation. The Razorback seems to have an interesting sense of self-awareness. When asked what improvements Head Coach Bobby Petrino has made to Mallett’s game, the man under center (and in shotgun) alluded to his footwork, explaining that Petrino has completely reworked his mechanics in that regard. Mallett also realizes that his size is a double-edged sword; he knows that being blessed with the frame of an NBA big man also presents a larger target for defenders. Of course, it also makes him more difficult to bring down and allows him to see clearly over the line of scrimmage. Mallett’s seemed self-assured regarding the cerebral part of the game, saying that he felt he had the mental part down. He happily explained that Coach Petrino gave him a lot of latitude when it came to calling audibles at the line of scrimmage. While Mallett chalked those audibles up to film study and discussions with Petrino in the weeks leading up to games, the final decision falls to the quarterback. There is not a long list of successful NFL quarterbacks standing 6’7”. Some may point to awkward mechanics and footwork and ask the question, can a quarterback be too big? In all fairness to Mallett, something that gets lost is the fact that there simply have not been many quarterbacks in college who are 6’7”. It’s a rarity, which makes sense because that is exactly what Mallett is—one of a kind. Related Columns: Mallett Mum on the NFL...for Now Marve Sets Sights on Sept 4, Notre Dame Draft Spin Cycle: QB Marve Back on the Radar Draft Spin Cycle: USC Running Backs Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard, University of Arkansas 
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Arkansas quarterback 
The Arkansas native explained that he could not leave the program for two reasons.