Ryan Mallett leaving is Good for Michigan Football

Go ahead, read that headline again. I mean it, in fact I am carving it in stone right now, to remind you what i said.

"But Nate? How can one of the best Sophomore quarterbacks in the country transferring be a good thing?" Simple, it opens up the starting spot for Tyrelle Pryor.

Tyrelle Pryor, if you have been living under a stone for the last few weeks, months or years, is the best dual threat high school quarterback in the country. He's basically Vince Young, only this time he is interested in playing for Michigan.

I know, I know. Mallett got lots of experience playing for Henne when he was hurt, and he has a great arm, and showed some good play making ability by moving around in the pocket, but Mallett has nothing compared to Prior. Firstly, Mallett got experience in reading college defenses, yes, but he has just as much or less experience in the spread offense that Rich Rodriguez is bringing to Michigan football as Pryor. Pryor has already played in that system in high school and he will be ready to be the main play caller for Michigan next year. Second, Its true that Mallett has a gun for an arm, but from what i have heard and read Pryor can throw 50 yards from his knees. Not too shabby. And as for play making, can you really even compare the two? Pryor is fast and shifty. And from what my scout, Brian, tells me, Tyrelle Pryor is a "very good athlete." Everyone was impressed with Mallett just because he doesnt have cement in his shoes like the last two starters at Michigan (Henne, Navarre).

Here is the main difference between Mallett and Pryor, Mallett will be only as good as the players around him, Tyrelle Pryor is as good as he wants to be. If Mallett doesnt have wide receivers who can get open, Michigan fans would see a lot of sacks, or 3 yard quarterback improvisation runs. Put Pryor back there, and suddenly if those wide receivers don't get open, you have an athlete ready to break open a big gain. Pryor can win games, Mallett could easily lose them by taking a sack or forcing a throw. Pryor will be able to run and get those first downs if a play breaks down.

Don't get me wrong, Mallett will probably be a great quarterback, and likely playing on Sundays someday. But the college game is different from the NFL. In college, spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks seem to the fad that wins these days.

Here is what i think it comes down to. If Michigan was able to keep Mallett, would defensive coordinators really have to game plan, on how to contain him? No, but the opposite is true for Pryor. Now, Coordinators need to try and get pressure, or keep a QB spy watching him. He will open up running lanes for McGuffie/Grady. He will make it easier for Greg Mathews and whoever else to get open just because D-Coordinators will be afraid of his playmaking ability. Maybe, Pryor's arm wont be as big of a deep threat as Mallett, but I can live with that with all the upside of his legs.

But back to my argument, Mallett leaving is great because Pryor hasn't committed to Michigan yet. He is trying to decide between Michigan and The School everyone hates. I think Michigan already has an edge, because Rich Rod runs a more familiar offense. But the kicker is gonna be, something Ohio State cannot offer, the starting quarterback position in 2008. If Mallett was here, Pryor might be waiting 3 years to start, or splitting time with Mallett. Now, we can say, look kid, you can run this offense from day one, its yours. Starting as a freshman in front of the biggest crowd in the country has to be thrilling for an 18 year old kid.

When Pryor commits to Michigan, he may not say it is because of Mallett leaving, but it will be a factor.

Michigan's offense is going to be exciting next year and new. There are certainly going to be a lot of new faces. But Tyrelle Prior will be leading that offense, and he will be impressive.

So Thanks Ryan, have a good career in Tennesee or Arkansas or where ever. We wont miss you.

Put it in stone.