Not many people are well-versed about the new quarterback heading up the Arkansas Razorbacks offense.

After Austin Allen’s injury, Cole Kelley was thrust into the spotlight this season. Similar to Brandon Allen, Kelley started his first career game against Alabama. The Crimson Tide rolled the Razorbacks 41-9 on Oct. 14, but Kelley had some bright spots in the game, giving Arkansas fans confidence about the future with him leading the way.

He picked up his first win as a starter against Ole Miss in Week 9 on Saturday, finally giving Razorbacks fans something to celebrate after three straight losses. Kelley had a solid appearance in his first road start, accounting for four touchdowns. With Arkansas still vying for a bowl, he has a chance to help the Razorbacks end on a high note in 2017.

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Here are 10 things you might not know about Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley:

1. Has a bullet in his left leg

Back in 2013 during Mardi Gras, Kelley was shot while dropping a friend off after the famous parade. His companion, Austin Rivault, was killed during the incident. Will Bellamy, the other friend in the attack, still has a bullet wedged in his neck. That tragedy still affects them to this day.

Will’s father Jon said, “They have a bond that you couldn’t share with anyone else.”

2. Given a couple of nicknames

“The Franchise,” “Louisiana Steamboat” and “Ryan Mallett 2.0” are some of the unique nicknames given to Kelley, a redshirt freshman. Before Austin Allen was injured, Kelley came into games on short-yardage situations, similar to Tim Tebow at Florida and Blake Bell for Oklahoma. Offensive coordinator Dan Enos began calling the Kelley-featured packages “Steamboat.”

The Louisiana native was not a fan of that particular nickname and name for the package at first.

“At first I didn’t like it,” Kelley said in a press conference this season. “I’m starting to get used to it now.”

3. Deceptively athletic

A player of his stature (Kelley is listed at 6 feet 7, 268 pounds) might seem unlikely to have much athleticism, but the quarterback has some wheels. Arkansas fans have seen immobility at its finest in Mallett, one of the slowest players the Razorbacks have had in the past few years.

Kelley has run a 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. That time is significantly faster than the Mallett, the current Baltimore Raven. As a senior in high school, Kelley also rushed for eight touchdowns.

4. Could start more in 2017

Austin Allen’s health is up in the air. Coach Bret Bielema said Allen “hasn’t had any regression,” but it is still unknown when the former starter will return. If Arkansas builds some momentum with Kelley at the helm, it might be wise for Bielema to keep Allen on the sidelines and not disrupt the offense’s rhythm.

5. Played basketball in high school

Kelley had some talent on the hardwood as well. As a junior at Teurlings Catholic High School, the two-sport athlete averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds. Darrel Mitchell Sr., the longtime basketball coach at rival St. Martinville High, had a number of good things to say about Kelley’s basketball ability.

“Cole Kelley is the main attraction and the other guys surround themselves around him,” Mitchell said. “He’s a great player.”

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6. Starting to garner attention

Mallett was one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in Arkansas history. Kelley will always draw comparisons — he wears the same No. 15 jersey and is the same height. Allen’s eligibility expires after this season and Kelley is the natural choice to take over in 2018.

Arkansas fans are excited to see what he can do. Even another great former Razorbacks quarterback is starting to notice his play.

7. Smart guy

As a freshman, Kelley was a 2016-17 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree. He is a recreation and sport management major and was an honor roll student at Teurlings Catholic.

8. Not highly recruited

Kelley had a moderate list, with offers from Colorado State, Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss and Tulane. LSU showed interest but never offered him a scholarship. He committed to Arkansas in April 2015 after being recruited by Dan Enos and Michael Smith.

He earned a three-star rating from 247Sports and was named to the Louisiana All-State and All-District teams. Regardless of Kelley’s rating, Bielema and Enos were thrilled to get him on campus.

9. Football runs in the family

His father, Roger, played linebacker at Louisiana Monroe from 1983-86. His dad owns the fourth-highest single season tackle total in Warhawks history.

Lance, Cole’s brother, played at Louisiana. During his career with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Lance played wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker. He ended his career with 184 tackles, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.

10. Just turned 20

Kelley turned 20 Friday. Not a bad birthday weekend for him, as he earned his first college win as a starter.

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