Arkansas petitions NCAA for Mallett eligibility
Matt Jones
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Sports
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said Tuesday the school plans to petition the NCAA for immediate eligibility on behalf of Ryan Mallett.
Mallett, who transferred to Arkansas from Michigan Jan. 14, would have to sit out the 2008 season per NCAA transferring rules, which state a student-athlete isn't eligible to play for one year when transferring from one Division I-A school to another.
"After visiting with Ryan and his parents, we feel that it is appropriate to file a waiver in this case based on extenuating circumstances," Long said in a statement. "While the outcome of the waiver request is uncertain, we feel strongly that as an institution we should offer our full support to Ryan and his family in this process."
Mallett transferred following the hiring of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan in December. Mallett was labeled a "pro-style" quarterback coming out of high school and wasn't expected to see much playing time in Rodriguez's Spread offense.
Mallett was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback by Scout.com during his senior season at Texas High School in Texarkana, and was briefly recruited by Arkansas.
As a freshman at Michigan, Mallett played in 11 games, completing 61-of-141 passes for 832 yards and seven touchdowns.
Mallett started two games in place of injured starter Chad Henne. The Wolverines were 2-0 in those games, including a win over then-No. 9 Penn State.
Irwin, Vavra leave team
Redshirt junior quarterback Clark Irwin and junior kicker Brian Vavra have each foregone their final year of eligibility.
Vavra, who graduate this semester, has handled kickoff duties for the team for the past two seasons. Vavra told the Morning News he left the team to pursue other opportunities.
Irwin was the holder for field goals and extra points in 2007. Irwin told the Morning News he left the team to focus on earning a real estate and attending graduate school. Irwin said he is considering going to Ole Miss to help former Arkansas and current Rebel coach Houston Nutt with quarterbacks.
Eight invited to combine
Eight former Razorback football players have been invited to attend the NFL Combine later this month in Indianapolis, Ind.
Running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, fullback Peyton Hillis, wide receiver Marcus Monk, offensive lineman Robert Felton, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison and cornerbacks Matterral Richardson and Michael Grant will work out for NFL teams.
Hillis, Felton and Harrison competed for the South in the 2008 Senior Bowl last month in Mobile, Ala. Hillis was on the field as the South scored a touchdown on the game's final play to record a 17-16 win.
Mallett, who transferred to Arkansas from Michigan Jan. 14, would have to sit out the 2008 season per NCAA transferring rules, which state a student-athlete isn't eligible to play for one year when transferring from one Division I-A school to another.
"After visiting with Ryan and his parents, we feel that it is appropriate to file a waiver in this case based on extenuating circumstances," Long said in a statement. "While the outcome of the waiver request is uncertain, we feel strongly that as an institution we should offer our full support to Ryan and his family in this process."
Mallett transferred following the hiring of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan in December. Mallett was labeled a "pro-style" quarterback coming out of high school and wasn't expected to see much playing time in Rodriguez's Spread offense.
Mallett was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback by Scout.com during his senior season at Texas High School in Texarkana, and was briefly recruited by Arkansas.
As a freshman at Michigan, Mallett played in 11 games, completing 61-of-141 passes for 832 yards and seven touchdowns.
Mallett started two games in place of injured starter Chad Henne. The Wolverines were 2-0 in those games, including a win over then-No. 9 Penn State.
Irwin, Vavra leave team
Redshirt junior quarterback Clark Irwin and junior kicker Brian Vavra have each foregone their final year of eligibility.
Vavra, who graduate this semester, has handled kickoff duties for the team for the past two seasons. Vavra told the Morning News he left the team to pursue other opportunities.
Irwin was the holder for field goals and extra points in 2007. Irwin told the Morning News he left the team to focus on earning a real estate and attending graduate school. Irwin said he is considering going to Ole Miss to help former Arkansas and current Rebel coach Houston Nutt with quarterbacks.
Eight invited to combine
Eight former Razorback football players have been invited to attend the NFL Combine later this month in Indianapolis, Ind.
Running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, fullback Peyton Hillis, wide receiver Marcus Monk, offensive lineman Robert Felton, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison and cornerbacks Matterral Richardson and Michael Grant will work out for NFL teams.
Hillis, Felton and Harrison competed for the South in the 2008 Senior Bowl last month in Mobile, Ala. Hillis was on the field as the South scored a touchdown on the game's final play to record a 17-16 win.
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