FAYETTEVILLE — Injured quarterback Ryan Mallett will not attend one of the nation's premier quarterback camps next week because of a conflict with his class schedule and his ongoing recovery from a broken foot, says Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino.
Mallett was scheduled to join several high-profile college quarterbacks July 8 at the Manning Passing Academy, a camp run by former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and sons Peyton and Eli Manning at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. Chris Low of ESPN.com, citing Archie Manning as the source, first reported the news of Mallett pulling out of the camp Friday morning because of the recovery schedule from a second surgery on his left foot.
Arkansas provided a different reason for Mallett's cancellation before Petrino clarified his initial statement.
"It did not work with Ryan's class schedule," Petrino said Friday through a spokesman at Arkansas. Petrino clarified his comments by adding later that Mallett also could not miss a week of rehab.
Mallett, who set or matched 16 school records last season, broke a bone in his left foot during early morning workouts Feb. 17 and had surgery later the same day. He missed spring practices, but began to show promise in late April when he removed a protective boot several times to throw passes.
Mallett underwent a second surgery June 9 on his foot to replace a screw, and was expected to stay off his feet for two weeks in recovery. Arkansas called the surgery pre-planned and another step in his preparation for a complete recovery by the time fall drills arrive in August.
Petrino said Mallett was "doing good" rehabilitating Tuesday, but did not provide further details concerning the quarterback's recovery. Mallett was expected to be back on his feet after two weeks of non-weight bearing recovery time after the surgery June 9.
Mallett 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 last season. He was a second-team selection on the all-SEC teams picked by the media and coaches, and has already prompted consideration by many in the media as a Heisman Trophy candidate next season.