Butch Jones Speaks About Vols Target Josh Malone

Nov 9, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier on Wednesday we detailed for you what Mark Richt had to say about four-star wide receiver Josh Malone, a top target of Georgia and Tennessee .

At the end I mentioned that it would be interesting to see if Butch Jones commented on Malone in the near future.

Well, we didn’t have to wait long.

Jones was asked about Malone during the weekly SEC coach’s teleconference on Wednesday.

"Jones: I’ve been very cautious of speaking about individuals [that have signed financial aid papers]…..Josh [Malone] is a very, very talented young man who has a bright future ahead of him. He’s a complete football player."

It’s very understandable why Jones has been hesitant to talk about recruits that have signed their financial aid papers.

Coaches have had it drilled into them that they aren’t allowed to publicly speak about a recruit.

When a slip-up happens — which it often does — it’s instantly noticed and has to be dealt with by the university.

Judging by the way the rule is written, I don’t think Jones has anything to worry about.

It was also smart of him talk about Malone after Richt’s comments.

Like I said earlier, Malone’s commitment won’t be decided by a few public comments, but it’s very important to not let your opponents get any sort of advantage.