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Josh Malone entered his collegiate career with huge expectations. A five-star prospect, Malone was nationally ranked at No. 36 overall and was the No. 1 player in Tennessee, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
Malone enrolled early this past January to adapt quickly to the pace of college football. He says the process was gradual at first but came easier to him by summer and fall camps.
“It started to slow down a lot during the summer and during fall camp,” Malone said following Tennessee’s practice Tuesday. “I’m just getting more comfortable with the playbook, working on being a big timer and just being in the film room. I’m taking care of my body more, putting the right stuff in my body. It’s just one of those transitions that I’m going through.”
Malone has seen limited playing time in both of Tennessee’s first two games, totaling just 40 yards on three catches. But that may change following No. 2 wide receiver Von Pearson’s Week 2 injury.
Pearson suffered a high ankle sprain during a breakout performance in Tennessee’s win over Arkansas State. In Pearson’s absence, Malone realizes that he has an opportunity to see more playing time and take advantage of an increased role.
“It gives more of an opportunity because someone has to step up and fill the hole,” Malone said of Pearson’s absence following Tennessee’s practice Tuesday. “Von’s a playmaker who makes big plays so we’re just going to have to step up and make big plays. It’s just another opportunity for me to come out and play and get more chances to get the ball in my hands and make plays.”
Upon his commitment, many believed that Malone would be one of the breakout freshmen of Tennessee’s 2014 recruiting class. With the size and speed to excel as a college wideout, the former Station Camp standout seemed to have the quickest path to playing time of the new Vols. But a stacked receiving corps has hindered his chances for a breakout performance as Tennessee has spread the ball to different receivers.
Malone will likely see more playing time in Pearson’s absence. With his frame and natural ability, he presents the closest match to Pearson as a balanced receiver.
Outside of No. 1 option Marquez North, Malone is the only remaining wide out that possesses both size, speed and playmaking skills in Pearson’s absence. Pig Howard and Josh Smith both have speed, but lack size. Jason Croom has size, but lacks the playmaking ability of Malone.
If his role increases, Malone will likely have a breakout performance. In Pearson’s absence, expect Malone to emerge as a starting wide receiver in the coming weeks.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
