UT Coach's promise short-lived

[AThornton]

Keiwone Malone
February 6, 2009

Vow broken in Memphis; Tide lands star junior WR

The Tennessee coaching staff, notably former UA assistant Lance Thompson, vowed on Thursday morning that the Vols would own Memphis recruiting in 2010.
The vow was short-lived.

Late Thursday night, The Memphis Edge reported that Alabama head coach Nick Saban had picked up a commitment from one of the best juniors in the state of Tennessee when Memphis- Mitchell speedy wide receiver Keiwone Malone verbally committed to the Crimson Tide. The 6-1, 170-pound Malone is Alabama's first commitment in the class of 2010.
"I know," Malone says when told of Tennessee's vow to control Memphis recruiting. "But all I can say is that I'm committed to Alabama."

Malone chose Alabama over offers from Auburn, Duke, Georgia, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Tennessee.

"Alabama has been recruiting me for a long time," Malone says. "Coach Saban came by my school last week. I love Coach Saban. I love the SEC. I want to play in the SEC. I want the opportunity to play in the best conference in college football and to play under Nick Saban."
"I told Coach Saban that I'm committed to Alabama but that I wanted to still take some visits," Malone adds.
Malone, who runs a 4.4 40, caught 76 passes for 1,438 yards and 19 touchdowns this year in leading Mitchell to a Class 3A state runner-up finish.
"I'm a team player," Malone says. "Coach Saban told me that they want me to come in and play wide receiver, not in the slot. He wants me to have the opportunity to play on the opposite side of Julio."

Malone broke the state record for receiving yards in a game this past season with his 358-yard, three-touchdown receiving performance against Dyersburg in a state quarterfinal game.

Malone's 1,438 receiving yards this year led the state.

"He's a good kid," says Mitchell head coach Nathan Cole. "He's a leader and he has a good attitude. He's a great student. As a player, he has great hands and speed and vision. He's outstanding all around."

Malone says his next goal is to hit the weightroom.

"I want to get up to 185-190 pounds," he says. "I want to get bigger and stronger so that I can be ready to play in college."

Malone adds: "Tell the Alabama fans I can't wait to perform for them."

Malone was recruited by UA assistant Curt Cignetti.

 

[beetlespin]

Who cares? Nothing but problems come out of memphis anyway. I think its funny that it has you guys feathers ruffled. Screw Bama!!!

 

[AThornton]

Hey Lance, Im a Dawg, but thanks. My feathers aint ruffled at all. My team stole the #1 receiver in the state out of Memphis out from under Lame's nose, so Im good with it emoBigsmile

 

[Fishheadspin]

Funniest thing about that is saying he will play across from Julio. By the time this kid gets there, red shirts, julio will be in his second year in the pros!!!

 

[AThornton]

Yea I dont think the kid is good enough to play right away, although I could be wrong. If he shines as a RS Fresh then we may see it happen. Not too likely though

 

[fishinvol]

emoRolleyes emoRolleyes, you can have Marlon and maybe just like every other dog he can come out of the shoot on fire and by the time he's a senior he's a lame duck. Sounds awesome!!

 

[Fishin' Junkie]

fishinvol - 2/6/2009 3:22 PM

emoRolleyes emoRolleyes, you can have Marlon and maybe just like every other dog he can come out of the shoot on fire and by the time he's a senior he's a lame duck. Sounds awesome!!

Just like all UT quarterbacks... emoLaugh

 

[xrfoxracer]

like i said..... there was a boy that comitted to florida and said a storng NO to tennessee and that he wouldnt step foot in another school but FLORIDA he stated that ALL YEAR!!!! and guess what he is a Volunteer as of yesterday... even the day before he said he was going to florida 100 percent nothing is official untill a signature is made!!!

Who cares anyway theres more than one player in Tennessee

 

[AThornton]

fishinvol - 2/6/2009 3:22 PM

emoRolleyes emoRolleyes, you can have Marlon and maybe just like every other dog he can come out of the shoot on fire and by the time he's a senior he's a lame duck. Sounds awesome!!

Yea that tends to happen Chris. Most of the time when a receiver is really good, defenses will double team them.....might pass that bit of info along to Lame......he could probably use it emoBigsmile emoPoke I will take Marlon anyday with a smile and say thank ye' much!!!

 

[ukfod1]

Thats good that his promise was short lived. Once again it proves that the Tennessee coaches are idiots!!!!!!!! Whoever said nothing but trouble comes out of Memphis is absolutely right. I mean have you ever been there?? It sucks!!! But I am glad Goergia was able to get the player away from LAME Kiffin. I Tennessee has a worse year this season than last.

 

[DoubleB]

It'sa Loooooong time til signing day. This boy isn't at Bama yet and a commitment means very little at this stage

 

[AThornton]

DoubleB - 2/7/2009 10:51 AM

It'sa Loooooong time til signing day. This boy isn't at Bama yet and a commitment means very little at this stage

I agree and Im sure ths kid wil get TONS of pressure from other schools between now and then. Happens every year and some will always switch

 

[Shark]

Everyone knows how the system works...... some schools offer more than just play time. Money and materal items talk - It's illegal but it is happening.
emoBang

This happens in the high school world too.

 

[SNUFFY]

Have another cup of Coffee there Uchfod !!!!

 

[ukfod1]

Think I will have another cup of coffee there Snuffy. emoThumbsup

 

[fish4thepeck]

Glad Bama got a commitment from the kid in Memphis... there track record in Memphis speaks for itself... just look at how ole Albert Means worked out for them emoLaugh