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the sixth grade the Mallett family moved to Texarkana, Texas, and he began playing football as a left guard due to him being bigger than most of the other kids in his age group. Ryan attended Texas High School in Texarkana where he went on to become one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in his graduating class. Mallett had tons of big time moments, plays and games while at Texas High but, according to him, his most memorable was when “I threw it to the receiver in the flat, he threw it back to me and I gained 40 yards.” Upon completion of his senior year at Texas High, Ryan was named the 2006 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year and was also named the 2007 Glen Davis Army Award winner (best player on the West team) following the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Once recruiting time came around, there were several big-time schools attempting to sign Ryan to a letter of intent. When it was all said and done, he chose the University of Michigan. While at Ann Arbor, Mallett played sparingly during his freshman season due to the productivity and seniority of starter Chad Henne. Then, after Lloyd Carr was replaced by Rich Rodriguez as head coach following the 2007 season (Ryan’s freshman year), Mallett transferred to the University of Arkansas in large due to the type of offense Rodriguez would bring to the Wolverines. During the 2008 season, Mallett was ineligible to compete for the Razorbacks as a result of NCAA transfer polices. However, the next season he placed his name in the minds of many NFL scouts. As the starting signal caller for the Razorbacks in 2009, “Big Tex” tied or broke 16 Arkansas school records and threw for 3,627 yards with 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Mallett led them to an 8-5 record including a bowl win which was a three game improvement over the prior season. Even though Ryan and the Razorbacks had better success, it was just the tip of the iceberg as 2010 would bring better success for them all including our hardware. During the 2010 campaign, Mallett passed for 3,869 yards with 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing passes at a 64.7% clip, amassing a 163.65 NCAA QB Rating and leading Arkansas to a 10-3 record and a BCS Bowl appearance (2011 All-State Sugar Bowl). Ryan compiled nine 300-yard passing games, two 400-yard passing games, eight games with at least three passing touchdowns and one game where he tossed five TD strikes. These are all reasons why the
fans have selected Mallett as the 2010 Premier Player of College Football. When asked what it meant to have this honor bestowed on him Ryan responded “It was a great honor to be selected by the college football fans as the inaugural (Premier Player of College) Football Player of the Year, especially against such great competition. I look forward to this award growing in recognition.” That’s the kind of guy Ryan is - humble, realistic and down-to-earth. He relaxes before games and hangs out with his family after them, much like we saw at the award dinner. “The fans couldn’t have selected a better player,” said Premier Players CEO Carnell Moore. “From the moment he came into the room, his presence took over and his personality just wowed everyone. We were very fortunate to have him attend.” Those qualities along with his skills on the field should take Mallett as far as any quarterback up for selection during the 2011 NFL Draft. I asked Ryan what sets him apart from the other potential first-year QB’s and he replied “my football intelligence and knowledge of defenses”, which are both important skills to have at the next level. Mallett also said “reading defenses and leadership ability” are his biggest strengths and that he will bring “work ethic and a willingness to do anything to promote the organization” to whichever of the 32 teams that selects him in April. Ryan has dreamed about playing in the National Football League since he first began playing football and he is now standing on the door step waiting for a franchise to welcome him in. Once Ryan finds a home in the NFL there is no question with his background, skills and character that he will blossom into one of the top signal callers in the game. Congratulations to Ryan Mallett for winning the 2010 Premier Player of College Football Trophy and best of luck as you embark on your journey to the next level.
James and Debbie Mallett enjoying the event with their son, Ryan. 18
PREMIER PLAYERS