Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) during the second half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 34 to 19. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Malone Will Be Just Fine
I know what you’re thinking. And trust me, it’s justified.
How do you gather that Josh Malone will be “just fine” after posting one catch for four yards in the Gator Bowl?
Well it isn’t Malone’s stat line against Iowa that makes me think he’ll be ok.
It’s the fact that Malone is a tireless worker and he isn’t the first UT receiver to have a rough freshman season.
In 2013, Josh Smith was continually praised by the coaches, despite struggling throughout the season. Smith finished his freshman season with 12 catches for 182 yards (he played in 11 games, starting four of them).
Smith’s freshman season was quite similar to Malone’s.
Malone, who finished his freshman season with 22 catches for 227 yards, was praised by coaches for his work effort. We were continually told that Malone would be fine, despite his frequent disappearance on the field (it wasn’t all bad, however, as Malone had five catches for 75 yards against Ole Miss).
Smith was well on his way to a breakout season in 2014, nearly surpassing his 2013 stats in just three games, before an ankle injury ended his season.
I believe Malone will follow suit and significantly improve on his freshman numbers. He’s too talented, and too hard of a worker, not to improve.
The Vols’ wide receiver group in 2014 could easily be one of the best in the SEC.