FAYETTEVILLE Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino might have found his quarterback of the future.
School officials were waiting Monday to receive paperwork from the University of Michigan that would clear the way for former starting quarterback Ryan Mallett to transfer to the Razorbacks.
"We've got the 'permission to speak' letter from the University of Michigan, and we should have the official transfer release from them this afternoon," Arkansas compliance director Marvin Caston said Monday.
Mallett, a former five-star quarterback from Texarkana, Tx., is in the process of enrolling at Arkansas. He also appears to be settling into his new surroundings.
Mallett checked into a dorm room on the university's campus on Monday morning, a source close to the team told The Morning News.
Arkansas is among a handful of schools that Mallett considered transferring to after he decided that he didn't fit new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez's offensive system.
UCLA, Tennessee and Texas A&M were also options for the 6-foot-7, 250-pound quarterback, known for his size and strong arm.
Jim Mallett, Ryan's father, told The Associated Press on Monday that his son was still undecided on where to transfer to, even though also signs point to the Razorbacks.
"We haven't made a decision yet, but everybody and their dog is saying my son has done this or that," Mallett's father told the AP. "I can tell you, we visited Arkansas and we've talked to Texas A&M and Tennessee."
Mallett visited Arkansas on Friday, and he fits the plans that Petrino has for the Razorbacks' offense. Petrino is known for grooming quarterbacks and getting them to run his high-scoring, pass-friendly system.
Mallett, who threw for 892 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions as a freshman at Michigan this past season, must sit out the 2008 season because of NCAA transfer rules. He'll redshirt the season and have three years of eligibility remaining.
Returning starter Casey Dick is expected to get the majority of the snaps as a senior next season, but Arkansas' quarterback situation could be shaken up with the addition of Mallett.
Some quarterbacks could decide to transfer, and backup Nathan Dick will likely have to compete with Mallett for the starting job in 2009.
Steve Dick, Nathan's father, said Monday night that his son has not given any indication that he was thinking about transferring to another school because of Mallett.
Nathan Dick, Casey's younger brother, redshirted this past season as a freshman.
"He'll be going into this year as being able to probably get a little bit of playing time," Dick's father said. "So as far as I know, he's still good to go."
Steve Dick said Nathan doesn't mind competition.
"He'll bring on competition, that doesn't bother him at all," his father said. "He's competitive with the rest of them, that's for sure."
