FAYETTEVILLE — Ryan Mallett’s sensational sophomore season was strong enough to give former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow a run for his money in the Associated Press’ balloting for All-SEC.
Was it strong enough for Mallett to consider coming out early for the NFL Draft?
“We’re still in the season, so nothing like that is going through my mind right now,” Mallett said after Arkansas’ Monday evening practice. “The only thing Ryan Mallett going through my mind right now is the Liberty Bowl.”
Mallett was asked if there is a decision for him to ponder after the Razorbacks conclude their season against East Carolina on Jan. 2.
“Obviously, you’ve got to look at your options, but the Liberty Bowl is what we’re worried about right now,” Mallett said.
Mallett was one of four Razorbacks named to the AP’s All-SEC second team Monday, joining receiver Joe Adams, guard Mitch Petrus and defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard.
Mallett received three of the 12 first-place votes, but there should be no media outcry like there was at SEC media days last summer when one SEC coach did not put Florida’s Tebow on his first-team ballot.
Mallett, a 6-7 sophomore from Texarkana, leads the SEC in passing (285.2 yardsper game), pass efficiency (157.8) and total offense (282.2 ypg). Mallett, who set or tied 16 Arkansas records this season, is sixth in the nation in pass efficiency, eighth in passing and 15th in total offense.
Tebow, who was the first team pick, ranked second in the SEC in total offense (251.7) and pass efficiency (155.6), and eighth in passing (185.6). Tebow’s Gators are 12-1 and will face Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, while Mallett and the Razorbacks are 7-5 and headed to the Liberty Bowl to face East Carolina.
Adams bounced back from missing three games at midseason due to a mild stroke to finish with 28 catches for 553 yards and 7 touchdowns. He leads all SEC qualifiers with 19.8 yards per catch.
Arkansas receiver Greg Childs, a 6-3 sophomore, was a curious omission from the All-SEC teams. Childs ranked third in the SEC with 71.8 receiving yards per game and led the Hogs with 45 catches for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns.
“I’m surprised Greg didn’t make it, because he’s one of the highest receivers in the league,” Adams said. “For them to pick me, I’m surprised. I didn’t play in three games this year, three big SEC games.”
Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said he was surprised Childs didn’t make the team.
“It was disappointing,” Petrino said.
“I thought I would make it, but it just makes me work harder, you know, this summer to come out next season and play hard,” Childs said.
Petrus had a big senior season as the Razorbacks’ strongside guard. Sheppard’s tackle total fell to 26 during the regular season, but he ranks 10th in the SEC with 11 tackles for 39 yards in losses. Sheppard also has 2.5 sacks, 4 hurries and 3 pass breakups.
Arkansas opened its bowl practices with an evening workout in the Walker Pavilion in which Coach Bobby Petrino and assistants Garrick McGee, Tim Horton, Kirk Botkin and Reggie Johnson were not in attendance because they were on the road recruiting.
“It’s always better when you have everybody,” Paul Petrino said. “You still get a lot of work in, and they get a lot of work in out there recruiting. It’s kind of what we’ve always done a lot in the past.”
Tight end Chris Gragg, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the first week of camp, dressed in a yellow no-contact jersey and ran plays against no defense early in practice. Gragg will receive a medical redshirt this year, as will cornerback Isaac Madison, who rehabbed on the sideline during the early periods of practice.
Sports, Pages 17 on 12/08/2009