FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ryan Mallett didn’t take long to make an impression on coaches and players at Razorbacks spring practice. It just took one pass.
The transfer quarterback from Michigan has stolen the show at times during Arkansas’ spring season with a strong arm and ability to put the ball in tight spaces.
Freshman Crosby Tuck says receivers have had to adjust to Mallett’s arm.
“It’s really hard to catch passes from him,” Tuck said. “I’ve never seen someone my age throw that hard. He has a cannon on him. He really does.”
Mallett, a high school all-American at Texas High School in Texarkana, said he never realized he threw the ball hard.
“People would tell me, ‘You’re throwing hard,’” Mallett said. “I didn’t think I was really throwing it.
“It’s definitely a strength. I think it’s one of the best strengths I have.”
But arm strength alone doesn’t make a good quarterback, Mallett said. In fact, Mallett’s arm has been a hindrance at times in the spring, overthrowing receivers and not taking enough heat off the ball in open spaces.
Both Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino have worked with Mallett to tone it down, the quarterback said.
“Sometimes I’ve just got to turn it down a little bit,” Mallett said. “I have to find the right times and what plays to turn it down, and what plays I can fire it.
“[Both Petrinos] said, ‘You don’t have to throw it as hard as you can. We’re going to catch it. We’ll make plays. You don’t have to bullet it in there every time.’ That’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
Mallett is awaiting an answer from the NCAA on a waiver filed on his behalf for eligibility to play in the upcoming season. Per NCAA transfer rules, Mallett, who transferred after a coaching change at Michigan, would have to sit out one year before he’s eligible to play at Arkansas.
Mallett can still practice with the team and says he’ll prepare for the upcoming season whether he’s eligible or not.
“I go in the same way as if I was going to play,” Mallett said. “I’m studying as hard as I can. I practice as hard as I can. I listen to what the coaches have to say. If I can play, I can. If I can’t, I can’t. But I’m just going at it full-boar ahead and getting a good start even if I can’t play.”
With Mallett’s status uncertain for the upcoming season, Bobby Petrino has limited his time with the first team offense during the spring. In the team’s first scrimmage Sunday, Mallett completed 7-of-13 passes for 57 yards.
If eligible, Mallett will compete for the starting job with junior Casey Dick, redshirt freshman Nathan Dick and redshirt junior Alex Mortensen. Mallett says the quarterback competition this spring has been fun.
“We’re all learning the same stuff so it’s not like anyone has an advantage,” Mallett said. “Casey has the most experience, but we’re just having fun out here with all the coaches, getting ripped a little bit, but having fun.”
Casey Dick, who has started 22 games the last three seasons, says Mallett’s presence has brought a different feel to the quarterback competition.
“He kind of lightens the mood and competes very well,” Dick said. “He’s a fantastic guy and it’s fun to be around him every day.”