Did Josh Malone Tip Off The Vols’ QB Plans For 2014?
By Zach Ragan
Nov 9, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Vols’ newest commit — five-star WR Josh Malone — did his due diligence in making his college decision.
He weighed all the factors: Distance, coaching, atmosphere, opportunity, etc.
One of the biggest things that will factor into Malone’s success at Tennessee will be quarterback play.
The Vols’ QB situation was fluid at best this past season. Tennessee started three different QB’s and none of them appeared to be the definitive answer for the Vols.
A receiver of Malone’s caliber certainly places an importance on QB play, as that will determine how much success he has at the college level.
On Wednesday — after announcing his decision — he seemed comfortable with Tennessee’s plans.
"Malone: I talk to the coaches all the time about the quarterback situation and I really feel comfortable with the guys behind the ones they played this year at Tennessee, Riley Ferguson and Joshua Dobbs, so I just feel comfortable with that situation."
Right off the bat, it sounds like the coaching staff, at least in Malone’s mind, has ruled out Nathan Peterman and Justin Worley as options. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone and I think we all assumed as much.
Malone then mentioned both Riley Ferguson and Josh Dobbs as options.
Ferguson, who clearly has the better arm, would be the better option for Malone’s skill set.
Malone is a deep threat and a guy that can stretch the field for the Vols.
Josh Dobbs, in his four starts, didn’t show a great capability to throw the ball down the field with any accuracy.
As detailed oriented as Malone was throughout his recruiting process, it’s hard to imagine that he’d be comfortable playing with a QB that isn’t going to be able to consistently get him the ball.
It’s possible that the coaching staff told Malone that Ferguson has the inside track to being the starter next season (if not for injury he would’ve been the starter when Worley went down this season).
Do I know this for sure?
Of course not.
But Josh Malone’s words and actions lead me to believe it’s a great possibility.