As Signing Day Approaches, Star DT Tywone Malone set to visit Aggies, Rebs and Vols

Just 15 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan where the Hackensack River runs through, you will find the borough of Oradell, New Jersey. And what — or who — has sparked the interest of the deep south in this Jersey town? Tywone Malone of Bergen Catholic High School is the resounding answer. 

The two-sport star Malone stands 6-foot-3.5-inches tall and weighs 300 pounds. Not only can he command a defensive line, but he also has one heck of a swing at the plate. As the clock winds down to Signing Day on February 3rd, it is no wonder there is a battle for the talented athlete. 

The SI All-American, listed by 247Sports as the No. 5 defensive tackle in the nation and the top player in the state of New Jersey, has narrowed his sights to these final schools: Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Rutgers, USC, Tennessee and FSU. 

The Final6️⃣‼️@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/pueGL5MVGE

— Tywone Malone (@TywoneMalone) October 6, 2020

Malone’s unofficial visits

While programs are not allowed to officially host recruits because of COVID-19, that hasn’t stopped some of the nation’s prospects from taking the initiative and making their own unofficial campus visits, and Malone is no exception. The 4-star Malone is about 19 days away from inking where he will play on Saturdays, so it should come as no surprise that he and his family are visiting, and re-visiting, some of his final choices between now and Signing Day. 

Tywone Malone is also a standout player on the baseball diamond.

Malone visited the Noles out in Tallahassee last weekend, and his next stop looks to be College Station this upcoming weekend. He told Chris Nee of Noles247 that he has already visited Rutgers (the closest of the schools in proximity to him) on more than one occasion and has also been to Ole Miss and Tennessee.

Malone took a visit to A&M during his junior season, and reports are that he will visit Aggieland again this coming weekend before closing things out with a trip to Ole Miss and Tennessee the following weekend on the 23rd.

Though the 247Sports Crystal Ball has Malone going to Ole Miss, keep an eye out for how his trip goes to College Station. 

All indications are that Malone will make his decision after those visits. “Probably take a week off [after those visits] to think about everything and review my options,” Malone told Noles247. “Then jump to February 3rd and decide then.”

Breaking it Down: The Malone Magic 

Coach Kiffin and his defensive staff still appear to be right on track in solving some of the defensive woes that have plagued the Rebs as of late. They have searched high and low and have inked some of the top young talent in the country.

Brian Dohn, a national recruiting analyst with 247Sports, describes Malone as such: 

“Long with a thick frame, built to play interior defensive line. Dual-sport athlete as a high-level baseball player. Strong at the point of attack. Disengages and locates the ball carrier quickly. Can re-direct and run down the line of scrimmage. Relies heavily on strength in winning leverage battles. Fires off the ball quickly and stays low. Can chase play down from behind. Consistent tackler. High effort player. Should be a multi-year standout at a high-level Power 5 program.”

Here’s video footage from Malone’s senior season and his breakout junior season.

A Fit in the Sip

The Rebels have lacked substantial size on the defensive line and that is something that is being addressed. Malone’s huge frame and strength would obviously bring power to the defensive front. 

One of the reasons so many schools want Malone is the diverse skillset he brings to the table. While he may be a jack of all trades, he has shown consistency and mastery that make him a heck of a defensive lineman and a slugger on the baseball field. 

Watch this clip and check out Malone’s athleticism. 

Big Man Touchdown ❕❗️❕

Tywone Malone (@TywoneMalone) with the pick-six for @BergenCathFBall pic.twitter.com/GSlxN0yrtS

— Gus Ramos (@G1Bound) October 10, 2020

Malone definitely possesses football and baseball IQ. Playing on the defensive line and at first base takes a great deal of mental and physical prowess, so both Lane Kiffin and baseball head coach Mike Bianco would love to get him to the Sip! 

When he makes his final visit to Oxford before National Signing Day, let’s hope he tells the folks back home that he has found the promised land. 

All Aboard!

For Ole Miss recruiting news, follow Recruiting Analyst, Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo on Twitter @MissKYUS200