In With the New…

January 15, 2008 12:00 am · By Dustin · 0 Comments

For many Arkansas fans, Bobby Petrino is the anti Houston Nutt.

Nutt was the rah-rah guy, the motivator, the emotional leader. Petrino has been characterized as more of a business man. An emotionless workaholic.

Nutt, in his ten years as head coach at Arkansas relied heavily on the run. Petrino figures to return the Razorbacks to a balanced offense, with a heavy emphasis on the passing game.

But the difference that is going to be exciting to many Arkansas fans is this: 5 star quarterbacks transfer away from Houston Nutt’s programs. Today, Bobby Petrino got one back.

Sources today are reporting that Texarkana native, and former Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett will enroll at Arkansas, this coming just hours from the announcement that both star running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones will declare themselves eligible for the NFL draft. Mallett was highly regarded coming out of Texas high school, the #2 ranked quarterback in his class, and the #4 player overall. He started three games at Michigan this year before deciding to transfer after the retirement of his head coach Lloyd Carr, and the hiring of Rich Rodgriguez from West Virginia.

Is this a sign of things to come for Arkansas fans? Arkansas already has commitments from instate quarterbacks Jim Youngblood from Camden, AR, and Tyler Wilson from Greenwood. Now with Mallett on board, it stands to reason that the stud wide receivers will be next to fall in line. Due to NCAA rules, Mallett will have to sit out a year before playing at Arkansas, but will be eligible in 2009.

One thing is for sure. It’s a new era in Arkansas athletics. Out with the old, in with the new.