When Vols wide receiver Josh Malone exploded for six receptions, 181 yards and three touchdowns in Tennessee’s spring game last year, it appeared to signal that a historic freshman season was in store for the Gallatin, TN native.
But that wasn’t the case.
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Malone never found his groove as a freshman, despite starting six games for the Vols in 2014. He finished the season with 23 catches for 231 yards and a single touchdown. Malone essentially disappeared during the second half of the season, only catching four passes after his five-catch 75-yard performance against Ole Miss in mid-October.
A lot of folks have tempered their expectations for Malone in his second season on Rocky Top, but ESPN believes he’s a top candidate to break out in 2015.
The worldwide leader of sports recently named Malone as one of five potential sophomore wide receivers that could be in for a big year. Here’s what they had to say.
"From ESPN: There was a point last season when it looked like Malone was ready to emerge. He had just put together his best individual performance, five catches for 75 yards, against a stingy Ole Miss secondary, and he followed that up with a touchdown grab against No. 4 Alabama. But injuries derailed his first season, and he finished with just three catches in the team’s final five games. When healthy, Malone has the potential to be a star. He has already shown that he can make plays regardless of the opponent, and he’s only going to get better."
ESPN is right that Malone has the potential to be a star. He also has the workmanlike approach to improve enough to be a star.
And while I’m sure Malone is frustrated in his play last season, he certainly doesn’t appear to be frustrated with his coaches.
It’s not much, but hey, actions speak volumes.
Malone has a long way to go to live up to his four-star hype, but if he can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for what he can do in a Vol uniform.