Josh Malone Hasn’t Committed To Tennessee

Oct 5, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate wide receiver Marquez North (8) (not Pictured) catching a pass against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) (not Pictured) for a touchdown during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

There are various reports and rumors floating around that Josh Malone signed his financial aid agreement with Tennessee.

Regardless of if this is true or not, it doesn’t change the fact that Malone is a uncommitted prospect.

If Malone did sign his financial aid agreement it would allow the coaching staff unlimited access to him (this is a new NCAA rule).

It would also guarantee Malone’s scholarship at Tennessee (there’s no way Tennessee would reascend a scholarship offer to Malone anyway).

Malone signing the financial aid agreement, however, would NOT bind him to Tennessee, so it’s in no way a commitment if the rumors are true.

I think Malone’s alleged singing of a financial aid agreement means very little at this point of his recruitment.

I’ve mainly say that because I’ve believed all along that Malone would end up being a Vol commit.

There’s really very little benefit to Malone signing this financial aid agreement this early — especially if he’s still delaying his official announcement.

As I said above — Josh Malone’s scholarship offer from Tennessee is very firm and nothing will change that. The only benefit to Malone signing his agreement is to the Tennessee coaching staff.

Malone is still allegedly scheduled to make his announcement on December 4.

Of course — as with all things with recruits — this is very much subject to change.

Make sure to follow along on Twitter for more on Josh Malone and Vols Recruiting. @AllforTennessee