Arkansas OC Paul Petrino gives Patriots' Ryan Mallett big endorsement

New England Patriots QB Ryan Mallett's former offensive coordinator Paul Petrino had some great things to say about his former QB.

He told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald that “He’s really down in weight,”...  “He looks in great shape.  He looks like he’s keeping himself in great shape because he still comes around here quite a bit."

"Obviously, I think he’s matured a ton, and I think that happened a lot while he was here.  I think his upside is going to be very, very high.  He’s just got to hang in there and keep learning, keep learning from the best and some day when you get your shot, you’ve got to make it work.”

Mallet, the number 3 behind Brian Hoyer, could very well be moved up to the two spot before the season starts. There's been rumblings around the league that the Patriots may be looking to trade one of their two backup QBs. Most think Hoyer will go, but maybe a team is willing to take a chance on Mallet, a highly regarded QB in college who fell in the draft due to character issues.

A year in the Patriots organzation should have him matured and ready to show what he can do.