With the 2010 college football season just around the corner, the Razorbacks are poised to make a huge leap from years before and return to the national stage with head coach Bobby Petrino at the helm. Much of the hype also comes from the Hogs starting quarterback, Ryan Mallett, returning to captain the Razorback offense for his junior season. Mallett, who broke many school records last year, is on many watch lists for the Heisman Trophy. He was just recently named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list and spoke with many members of the media today by way of a teleconference.
Here are a few things of what Mallett had to say about the upcoming season:
OPENING STATEMENT:
“I’m doing great. I feel like I’m in great condition. The training this summer is going well, and also with the team. I know people are wondering about the Manning Camp. I wanted to go really bad. It would have been a fun experience to be around some of the other great players in the NCAA, and to get to know the Mannings better. When it came down to it, it was in my best interest to stay here and focus on my studies, since I am planning to graduate in December, and continue my rehab. I needed to do what was best for me and the team to prepare for the season.”
ON IMPROVING UNDER COACH PETRINO:
“Coach Petrino is a technician. Even when he is breaking down film, he’s got a way of doing it. Since he’s gotten here, he’s helped clean up my technique. He’s cleaned up my footwork. I have a great mental grasp on the game and he understands that.”
ON RECEIVING PRESEASON RECOGNITIONS:
“It is a fun experience. It is great to be named to those kinds of things, but my main focus is helping this team win ball games. You know that is what I am here to do. I’m not worried about myself; I’m worried about the Arkansas Razorbacks.”
ON CHOOSING TO STAY AT ARKANAS:
“I promised my mom I would graduate. That is a very important thing to our family. Most of my family is made up of educators or coaches. Looking back, I thought I owed it to this state. They let me come back and transfer to Arkansas. I felt like it wouldn’t be fair after one year to just leave. With the guys we have coming back, how would you not want to be here? We have the chance to be great.”
UATV will be having full coverage of the Razorback football season this fall, along with full coverage of the local high school football scene in NW Arkansas. Be sure to check back in to uatvonline.net throughout the fall for all your sports coverage as well as breaking news in NW Arkansas.