Mallett to return to Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas redshirt sophomore quarterback Ryan Mallett announced his plans Friday afternoon to return to the Razorbacks for the 2010 season.

In 2009, Mallett set or matched 16 different school records and finished the season completing 225-of-403 passes for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Mallett was an All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by the league coaches and media and he was named one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award. He led the SEC in total offense (276.5) and helped Arkansas lead the SEC in scoring offense (42.2) and passing offense (433.7).

Statement from Ryan Mallett:"The decision making process was not easy and I have to thank everyone for allowing me to make one of the most important choices of my life. Everyone knows I grew up a Razorback fan and parked cars at homes games as a kid. The NFL is a goal of mine, but being a Razorback has always been my dream. Fayetteville is where my heart is and my work here is not finished. I know I can improve on several things on the field and off the field. I can become a stronger leader for this community and can use another year in college to continue my growth as a person. My dream was always to play for the Razorbacks and now I want more for all of us. Good quarterbacks set records and great quarterbacks play for and win championships. I’m excited for next season and working with my teammates to be a part of putting a championship culture in place here. The leadership of Chancellor Gearhart and our Director of Athletics Jeff Long is a model for me. I feel like Bobby Petrino is the greatest coach in the nation and we have the greatest fans in the nation. I want to help lead this team to a place among the nation’s elite and this community to have a mindset to expect greatness. I’m not saying we will get there every season, but that should always be our goal. I’m proud of who we are and I’m proud that I’m a Razorback."