QUARTERBACKS
Even though Arkansas has most of its starters returning, coach Bobby Petrino doesn’t want anyone thinking their job is safe entering the 2010 season. But let’s be honest: Barring any problems returning from a broken foot or any other unexpected issue, Ryan Mallett will be Arkansas’ man under center.
What happens this spring, though, with Mallett on the sideline rehabilitating his foot?
Three scholarship quarterbacks — Tyler Wilson, Brandon Mitchell and Jacoby Walker — hope to make an impression running Arkansas’ offense over the next 15 practices. Nick Petrino will pick up some work, too.
Wilson is the only one of the three with playing experience. He will get an opportunity to further exert himself as Mallett’s eventual successor by taking on the starting role this spring. But he will have challengers for the spot.
Petrino sounds eager to get another good look at Mitchell, who is a threat with both his arm and legs, this spring. Walker enrolled at Arkansas a semester early from high school and has impressed Petrino with his knowledge of the game and leadership skills in just a couple of months.
When spring practice ends, all three will fall back down the depth chart to make room for Mallett’s return. By then, Petrino should have a better idea of which guy he can count on to run the offense if needed next season.
Key Returners
• Ryan Mallett (3,624 yards, 30 TDs, 7 INTs)
• Tyler Wilson (218 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs)
Key Newcomers
• Jacoby Walker (Early Enrollee)
Spring Depth Chart
• Tyler Wilson, Brandon Mitchell, Jacoby Walker
Watch Out For … Brandon Mitchell
Tyler Wilson will be the man running the first-team offense most of the spring, but Petrino will be keeping a close eye on Brandon Mitchell throughout the next month.
Mitchell redshirted in 2009, but will get plenty of significant repetitions this spring. The one skill he has that Mallett an Wilson don’t is his ability to make plays with his feet. But Petrino said he needs to improve as a passer and decision-maker in spring practice.
“I’m excited to see what Brandon can do,” Petrino said. “Brandon is a guy who is 6-4, 230 pounds, can really run. He adds some things to your offense by being able to make plays with his legs and then he’s got to show us that he can be consistent throwing the ball. That he can convert third downs versus tight coverage and be accurate throwing the football.
“I know he’s worked hard in the offseason and now we’ll see how it goes in spring ball with his ability to improve throwing the ball on a consistent basis.”
Bobby Petrino On … Jacoby Walker
“We made a late decision to take him because there’s a point where you’re saying, ‘OK, is Ryan going to come back? Isn’t he going to come back?’ I tried to get Jacoby to come in here on a visit without offering him a scholarship, wasn’t able to convince him to do that because he had something sitting out there. Finally we made the decision. Let’s be better safe than sorry and I’m really happy that we did because he’s very mature. He has a great understanding of football.”
Coming Tuesday: Five Questions Surrounding Spring Practice
Make sure to follow me on Twitter (@NWARobbie) and here on the Hog Blog for all kinds of news and notes from spring football when practice begins Tuesday afternoon. I’ll also have daily stories from spring practice that will appear on the Arkansas News Bureau Web site at ArkansasNews.com
