SoCal standout looks fine with nine
Three-star two-way standout Derrick Malone (6-2, 205, 4.5) from Colton, Calif., has nine offers to his credit. Look for even more offers early in his senior season if he plays up to his potential.
Though Malone is outstanding on both sides the ball, he is being recruited as a safety where his hitting ability has caused many of the best receivers to come down with a case of alligator arms.
Advertisement
Malone currently has offers from, Nebraska, New Mexico, UNLV, Utah, Arizona State, Washington, Washington State, Idaho, Nevada, and UTEP.
Arizona, Cal, Oregon, and UCLA are schools that have not offered Malone, but are showing recruiting interest.
Rivals.com had the chance to catch up with the talented two-way prospect to check up on the status of his recruitment.
"Recruiting is going very well right now," Malone said. "It has kind of slowed down, right now, but during spring it was very hectic, but right now it has slowed down. I think it will pick up in September.
"I haven't seen any of the schools that have offered me yet," Malone said. "I have done some research on some them though.
"With Nebraska, I really like the campus, the way it looks" Malone said. "I like the atmosphere of the city.
"Regarding Washington, I like the same about Washington that I do about Nebraska," Malone said. "Washington is recruiting me pretty heavy and I really like that and their recruiting process. If I decide to go to Washington, I will have a chance to play early and I like that, too.
"I haven't set up any visits yet, but I would like to start taking visits in September," Malone said. "I know for sure I would like to visit Washington and Nebraska. I don't have visit dates, yet.
"We have to figure out our schedule because (Malone's Colton teammate) Jonathan Mack and I, we're going to take our official visit to Nebraska together and (Washington commit) Alejandro Maldonado and I will visit Washington," Malone said. "So we have to get together and see how that is going to work out."
"I would like to make my decision in probably late November or early December."
Are there any schools Malone would like to get an offer from?
"I would really like to get an offer from one of the schools in California," Malone said. "I am from California and I would really like the option to go to one.
"I like UCLA and Cal," Malone said. "When I was growing up, I really liked those schools and Oregon, also."
If Cal and Oregon likes what they see of Malone during his senior season, those two schools could be joining the fray with offers.
Malone took in a junior day at UCLA during the spring.
"I really liked UCLA," Malone said. "I really like the campus, the environment , the educational value, like their tutoring, and the facilities. I like everything about UCLA."
What is Malone looking for in a school?
"The most important thing is educational value," Malone said. "How the school stands academically. Another consideration will be how I like the coaching staff, the players, how I fit in and how I fit in the environment.
"Can I really see myself for the coming four or five years that I'll be there," Malone said. "Can I really see myself there and maybe having a life there."
Malone earned all-league, all-CIF, and all-county offers as a junior after rushing for 1,263 yards and 11 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Malone racked up 53 tackles, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.