Remember Cole Kelley? With no Arkansas game Saturday, watch him

Cole Kelley was once nicknamed Ryan Mallet 2.0.

The former Arkansas quarterback left the Razorbacks after modest playing time under both Bret Bielema and Chad Morris. He transferred to Southeastern Louisiana where, in his first season, he threw 10 touchdowns as the back-up quarterback. Last year, the Louisiana Steamboat – his nickname now – broke out, winning the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Now, the Walter Payton Award winner, will lead his team in the first round of the FCS playoffs Saturday night against Florida A&M. The game can be seen at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

Kelley’s 2021 season was even more impressive than his 2020 season. He was named Southland Conference Player of the Wednesday after leading FCS in completion percentage (74.2), passing yards per game (398.4) and total offense per game (438.5). Kelley also ranked third in FCS in passing touchdowns (38) and rushing scores (16).

Kelley played two seasons with the Razorbacks and was a part-time starter. While in Fayetteville, he threw for 1,493 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.