Tennessee is still in the conversation to land Tywone Malone, a 2021 defensive tackle prospect from Oradell, New Jersey.
Malone is not only a blue-chip interior defensive lineman, but also a high-level baseball player.
The Final6️⃣‼️@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/pueGL5MVGE
— Tywone Malone (@TywoneMalone) October 6, 2020
The Vols are included with USC, Rutgers, Ole Miss, Florida State and Texas A&M in Malone’s final decision.
A 6-foot-3.5, 300-pound lineman, Malone is rated a 4-star prospect, and the No. 5 defensive tackle in his class per the 247Sports Composite. A strong, powerful defender, Malone is also the top prospect in New Jersey.
The Vols have a few connections that could help bring Malone to Knoxville.
Tight ends coach Joe Osovet is listed as his primary recruiter, a coach who is familiar with the northeast, having spent much of his career coaching JUCO football in New York.
Malone also attends Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey, the alma mater of current Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. A burgeoning baseball program at UT under Tony Vitello could also help in the effort for Malone’s signature.
The Vols’ 2021 recruiting class currently sits at No. 6 in the country, and No. 3 in the SEC. Tennessee currently has two defensive tackle commits, including 4-star prospect KaTron Evans.