Mallett meets media in teleconference
FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett addressed members of the media Thursday, as anticipation builds for the beginnning of the 2010 Razorback football season. Mallett fielded questions from over journalists more than 30 participants from 10 different states; including New York, Michigan Connecticut, Oregon and states across the south. The Texarkana, Ark., native was selected to the 2010 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List yesterday.
Mallett set or tied 16 Arkansas school records in his first season as a starter in the SEC. Mallett led the conference in touchdown passes (30), passing yards per game (278.8) and total offense (276.5) and was named a second-team All-SEC honoree by the AP and league coaches. He also led the league in 400-yard passing performances with two and 300-yard passing performances with five.
Fans can read below for a glimpse at what Mallett had to say during the teleconference.
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 ARKANSAS:"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."
