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The quarterback class of 2010 in college football has the potential to be one of the best in ages it may even rival the great 1983 class. Jack Locker at Washington, Andrew Luck of Stanford, Blaine Gabbert of Missouri and Christian Ponder of Florida State are all studs at the quarterback position for their respective teams. The cream of the crop, however, is Ryan Mallett, the strong armed 6'7' starting quarterback for the University of Arkansas. Mallett who like the others has some aspects of his game to work on (footwork, decision making) is still in my opinion the most NFL ready QB in a great year for the position. Mallett made a very wise decision of returning to college for another year and is the leader of the SEC's highest scoring offense at 36 pts per game. 36 per outing for any team in the defensive minded SEC is an impressive accomplishment. Furthermore, any quarterback can succeed in a Bobby Petrino's system (see Brian Brohm ) much less one with the absurd physical tools that Mallet possesses. Keep in mind that Arkansas returns nearly every one of its key playmakers on the offense in 2010. Andrew Perloff of Sports Illustrated named Mallett A.K.A Big Tex the number one pick in the 2011 draft over Jake Locker, Andrew Luck and Blaine Gabbert. That is a pretty impressive vote of confidence for a guy who has only one year starting experience. Mallett's "swagger" is also a positive. Mallett carries himself with confidence; something that should work in his favor, though that has been a knock on quarterbacks before (see Jimmy Clausen). Mallett set or tied 16 school records in his first year as Arkansas’ starting quarterback last fall and turned heads along the way. He threw for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns with 7 interceptions in leading Arkansas to an 8-5 record and win in the Liberty Bowl. He was a second-team selection on the All-SEC teams picked by the media and league’s coaches, and has already prompted Heisman Trophy talk among the national media this pre-season. The Arkansas offense will showcase Mallett's immense talents and being surrounded by D.J. Williams, Ronnie Wingo, Greg Childs, Dennis Johnson, Broderick Green, and Jarius Wright does not hurt either. This will be a huge year for the Razorbacks on the whole but the opportunity for Mallett to gain post season accolades is high if he stays healthy. Playing in the Sec west which overall will be up in 2010 may not help Mallett as much if he played in the Big East, but I will leave conference talk outside of this article. If he wins the Heisman or not Mallet is the number one quarterback in the country according to 6magazine bar none.
Ciao, Claude Clayborne
