Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett didn’t leave much room for suspense Friday.

A few seconds after walking up on stage and sitting behind the microphone, the quarterback made his intentions clear.

“I’ve decided to go ahead and stay at the University of Arkansas for this year to help continue build the championship tradition we’re getting started here,” said Mallett, who donned a suit for the press conference. “We’re excited. We can’t wait.”

Yes, Ryan Mallett is returning to Arkansas. Officially. And the quarterback’s announcement Friday afternoon quickly transitioned to plenty of optimism for the Razorbacks as they begin to prepare for the 2010 season.

Mallett will be one of 17 starters back for a team that finished 8-5 in 2009. Clearly, he may be the most important piece after setting all kinds of school records in his first year as a starter. Mallett said he thought about the NFL briefly, but wanted to come back to the Razorbacks to try to help the program reach heights it hasn’t seen in quite some time. In fact, he talked about 10 or 11 wins and a BCS bowl game for the Razorbacks.

Mallett said he knew a couple of hours after the Liberty Bowl he was going to return, but wanted to get away for a few days to clear his head. He went to an undisclosed location and pondered the possibilities. Then, after talking with his parents, decided Arkansas was the best place for him next year.

“It’s where I need to be,” Mallett said. “I’ve got another year to grow and mature on and off the field.”

I’ll have much more on Mallett’s decision in a little while, touching on topics like OU quarterback Sam Bradford’s injury and if it made Mallett think, what he thinks about the hype that will be surrounding him next season and what the NFL told him.

Make sure you check back. Also, go to ArkansasNews.com for more on this story later tonight/tomorrow.