Arkansas Razorbacks: 4 Reasons for Ryan Mallett to Return in 2011

The Razorbacks have always been an interesting team to watch with their style of play.

Coach Bobby Petrino runs an up-tempo, pass-happy offense that heavily favors the pass. The quarterback in charge of executing that offense this year has been Ryan Mallett, and he arguably is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Mallett has led the Hogs to the No. 2 ranking in the SEC on total offense and scoring offense. They have the No. 1 pass offense and red zone offense in the SEC, and Mallett is the heart and soul of this team.

After this season Mallett will have to think about his future and perhaps playing in the NFL. Here are a few reasons why he should play one more year in Arkansas.

1.       Heisman Trophy: Mallett should be a candidate for the trophy this year but other players like Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Kellen Moore are in the spotlight. Next year Mallett will be an experienced quarterback with an electric offense and undoubtedly the front runner for the award.

2.       SEC West Title: Cameron Newton will leave Auburn amid all of the controversy and that will leave Auburn as a shell of the team that they are this year. That leaves Alabama and LSU to deal with in the West—two teams that Arkansas can play with. This gives the Hogs a realistic shot at the west title and an SEC Championship game.

3.       NFL Stock: Staying another year would raise his stock in the NFL. Andrew Luck will be drafted this year ahead of him and perhaps even Newton, depending on the teams in the order. Not to mention that if the Bills draft Luck, they won’t be looking for a quarterback next year. Scratch living in Buffalo off your list if you stay another year as a Hog.

4.       Legacy: Finally, Mallett’s legacy in Arkansas is already solidified as one of the best; however, he would have a shot at a national title and a Heisman Trophy and either one of those (or both) would cement his legacy as one of the best players to ever wear the uniform.

My opinion is obviously biased as I want to see Mallett and the Hogs do well. There is a chance that injuries could hurt Mallet if he stays another year (Jake Locker, anyone?) but I firmly believe it is the best move for the quarterback and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com,your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail]