A Look At Tennessee Vols Receivers

Sep 13, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) runs with the ball as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Julian Wilson (2) chases during the first half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Malone

Josh had a rough freshman season in Knoxville. Malone was a highly recruited 5 star recruit out of Station Camp High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He is still a 5 star receiver, he just had to learn the ropes.

Malone was used to being the best athlete on the field at Station Camp. He dominated the high school corners and safeties as he was faster, bigger, and stronger. When he got to Tennessee, he had to get used to the fact that he wasn’t playing high school ball anymore.

Josh flashed signs of how good he can be last season. He also flashed signs of the fact he was just a freshman. The success of Jalen Hurd at running back had most wondering what was happening with Malone. Believe me that it is easier to fit into an offense as a running back than it is at receiver.

The nuances of the passing game at this level are daunting. It is harder to get off of the line of scrimmage. This is something he never had to deal with. He also had to learn where to be in sophisticated routes. He had to learn to read defenses instead of running pre-determined high school routes. It is a tough transition.

The 6′ 3″ Malone still had 23 receptions for 231 yards and a touchdown. It was not the season he wanted or that fans wanted. But he will be fine. This will be a make or break season for Josh in my opinion. I expect him to make a huge leap over all this Spring. He knows what it takes now. If Josh determines he wants to be one of the best of all time at Tennessee, he will be able to do so. He has the skills, the size, the hands, and the speed. He just needs that mindset. I can’t wait to see him in the Spring.