Malone goes to school at Indiana game

Class of 2017 wide receiver Martez Malone used a recent visit to Indiana to learn more about the Hoosiers and also develop his own game

"I just went Saturday to a University of Indiana football game," Malone said. "It was a pretty good visit. I met all the coaches and got a chance to make sure they saw my face and remembered who I was. I shook the hands of a couple of players."

In his talks with the Indiana coaches, Malone was encouraged to go to school off what he saw on the field and the young receiver was more than willing.

"They said to make sure I look out for the receivers and how they get off the ball and how they are blocking when they are not getting the ball," Malone said. "That mostly was what I looked at - how I could improve my game. It's a lot faster in college and made me want to be more active in practices and the games."

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Malone already had made a name with the Indiana coaches before he attended last Saturday's game.

"I went to a football camp over the summer and they really liked how I played and how I bring the intensity," Malone said. "They know I am a good kid and have good character."

Besides Indiana, Malone also visited Michigan State, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Northwestern in the off-season. He plans to attend Purdue's game on Oct. 11 and Michigan State's game on Nov. 22.

As a sophomore, Malone has been pulling double-duty for the New Lenox (Ill.) Providence Catholic junior varsity and varsity teams this season, playing as many as six quarters in a week. He has also benefitted from playing alongside Rivals250 2015 wide receiver Miles Boykin.

"I think it has helped me a lot," Malone said. "He gives me advice during school. He helped me out on getting past the defender a little bit faster or getting into my routes faster."