Quarterback Ryan Mallett Has Been a Huge Addition to the Razorbacks Offense

The one word floating around in Fayetteville over the past few weeks has been "huge". Whether it be referring to quarterback Ryan Mallett's "huge" stature, "huge" arm, or the team's "huge" amount of potential, Razorback fans are hoping for a "huge" year in the SEC. Mallett, a 6'7" 238 pound Texarkana High School product, started his college career with Michigan, but when Rich Rodriguez was brought in after the Wolverines infamous up and down 2007 season (9-4 record with a loss to App State and a win against Florida), he opted to transfer closer to home.

Much to the delight of Arkansas fans, Mallett has settled in at Fayetteville and appears to be poised for some serious success in college football's toughest conference.

Ryan Mallett's success is not exactly a surprise to anyone who followed him at Michigan, as many fans there thought he would end up being better than former Wolverine standout Chad Henne. While Mallett may in fact live up to this expectation, he won't be doing in Ann Arbor.

In his first two games with the Razorbacks, he has managed to toss six touchdown passes with no interceptions (including a 400+ yard game against Georgia). Expect this no interception trend to continue, as Mallett possesses arguably the strongest arm in all of college football. Don't expect him to hang balls out over the middle or under-throw any of his receivers; his "huge" arm allows him to make throws that last year's QB Casey Dick couldn't have dreamed of.

Even with their addition under center, Arkansas may not be on the verge of a breakout season. But they shouldn't be taken lightly either.

If the Razorback's defense can step up their game, they could very well surprise people against the likes of Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss or LSU. Win or lose, expect the Hogs to put up serious numbers against any team they play this yer.

Regardless of how this season turns out for the Razorbacks, they have a bright future ahead of them. According to ESPN.com, all three of Arkansas' leading receivers are only sophomores. That is quite a prospect, considering that the 21 year old Mallett still has two years of NCAA eligibility after this season.

Fans in Arkansas have been looking for a player to rally behind since the departures of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, and if the first two weeks of the season are any indication, Mallett shouldn't have a problem filling their empty shoes.

"Arkansas Razorback's Statistics - 2009" ESPN.com