KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Josh Malone has been a bright spot within the Tennessee offense this season.

The junior wide receiver was a highly touted recruit coming out of Gallatin, Tenn., in the 2014 signing class. It has taken two seasons, but he’s emerged as the Vols’ no-doubt No. 1 receiver.

“If you ask any wide receiver that question they are going to tell you that they are the go-to guy,” Malone said after the Ohio game. “For me, I do my job on the field and stay patient.”

Through three games in 2016, Malone has nine receptions and four touchdowns. That’s evidence he has become an alpha in the offense. He had three total touchdowns in his first two seasons.

Butch Jones has seen the growth.

“In terms of Josh Malone, I’m really proud of him,” Jones said Saturday. “He’s really stepped up and made some big-time catches for us in some big-time situations.

“He had a couple touchdowns today. Again, he’s another individual who has grown in our program and he works exceptionally hard every day. Josh Malone has had a high level of consistency week-in and week-out, day-in and day-out in practice and it shows on game day.”

Malone’s ability to be a threat in the passing offense only compliments quarterback Josh Dobbs’ running and passing presence heading into SEC play.

“To see him play at a high level is definitely what I expect out of him week in and week out – it’s definitely what he expects out of himself,” Dobbs said after the Ohio game. “When the ball is thrown in his direction he wants to make the play and keep the chains moving. He’s definitely continuing to grow and we will definitely expect him to continue playing at a high level moving forward.”

Dobbs sees trust as a key factor with Malone, something that allows them to stay on the same page.

“Trust is huge and trust is built in the off-season in practice,” Dobbs said. “You trust your skills, abilities and teammates and go out to make plays for one another.”

Malone sees it the same way.

“I know if I run my route the right way and get open, I know Dobbs will put the ball where I will be able to make a play on it,” he said.

The good has came with the bad this season within the Tennessee’s offense – and that is apparent. But there’s been one consistent: Malone.

“We have made progress from the first game and we still have a lot of small things we need to fix up, as a whole entire offense,” Malone said. “As long as we keep improving and keep winning each week, we will get better and fix the small things from this week.”

The Vols will need to continue to have Malone as a key factor in the offense heading into a four-game SEC stretch that include games against Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama.

Florida week has arrived. So, too, has Malone.