GALLATIN, Tenn. -- It wasn't until a family sit-down at his home near Nashville on Tuesday that [db]Josh Malone[/db] finally felt comfortable with his college decision. After months of deliberation and official visits to [tm]Tennessee[/tm], [tm]Clemson[/tm], [tm]Georgia[/tm], [tm]Ohio State[/tm] and [tm]Florida State[/tm], the five-star wide receiver made the choice that he said felt right for him.
"I chose Tennessee because I felt like I had a better opportunity there," the nation's No. 20 overall player said. "I felt very comfortable there on my visits, and they really came after me hard and showed me that I was a priority for them."
- See more at: Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Five-star Malone makes the call: Tennessee
It was just about four months ago that it looked like Tennessee was out of the running for Malone, who focused his attention on schools around the country. But a strong push from first-year head coach [db]Butch Jones[/db] got the Vols back in the mix and a solid relationship helped seal the deal.
"Really, Coach Jones was the difference for me," Malone said. "He made me a priority and I respected that, and he really earned my respect and my trust. I really enjoy being around Coach Jones, Coach [db]Zach Azzanni[/db] and Coach [db]Tommy Thigpen[/db] and really all the offensive coaches at Tennessee."
- See more at: Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Five-star Malone makes the call: Tennessee
Following an official visit to Clemson on Nov. 23, Malone seemed to have the Tigers out in front. But a visit from Jones and the entire Volunteers offensive staff, who arrived at Malone's house in a caravan and with a police escort, shifted the tide in the favor of Tennessee.
"It really grabbed my attention," Malone said. "The whole thing was that big of a deal but the main thing was the dedication shown by the coaches. It really grabs your attention because you don't see 12 cars in your driveway pull up at the same time. It was kind of crazy."
- See more at: Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Five-star Malone makes the call: Tennessee
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