Josh Malone’s freshman season didn’t go like most of us thought it would, especially after he exploded for 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns in last year’s Orange and White game.
The talented Gallatin, TN native finished his true freshman season with only 23 receptions for 231 yards and one touchdown — not exactly what everyone was expecting.
Malone’s best game came mid-season against Ole Miss, when he caught five passes for 75 yards.
At that point it looked like Malone was on the verge of breaking out. However, he ended up catching only four passes for 22 yards the rest of the season.
Malone definitely hit the freshman wall and struggled in his first season on Rocky Top, but Butch Jones thinks there’s reason for encouragement.
The Vols’ head coach recently spoke at Long Hollow Baptist Church, which is close to Malone’s hometown of Gallatin.
"Jones: “He’s going through a process. He’s another individual who has really dedicated himself this offseason. When he came back from the month break, you could see that he dedicated himself. Josh is a very talented young man, and he’s very driven right now. I’m very excited in what we see in him right now."
Sure, that sounds like a lot of coach speak, but it’s definitely true that Malone is a driven player (remember what Vols wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni told us last August?).
Malone is going to be a bit of an under-the-radar player this fall, due to his lackluster season in 2014.
But the talent is still there. Malone is still the player that caught six passes for 181 yards the first time he stepped on the field in front of fans at Neyland Stadium.
Malone could be in for a breakout season, now that the Vols’ offensive identity is in place and the offensive line is improving.
And if that’s the case, then the sky’s the limit for Tennessee’s offense.