January 17, 2010

Malone solid as ever to UA

Memphis wide receiver Keiwone Malone wasn't just one of the first prospects to commit to Alabama's 2010 recruiting class - he was also one of the most highly coveted. The four-star playmaker didn't stop receiving attention from plenty of other schools after committing to Alabama but the 6-foot-1, 165-pound star never strayed from his commitment and is now ready to join the team after taking his official visit this weekend.

"He said the visit went really well," said Coach Nathan Cole, Malone's head coach at Mitchell High School. "He met with the coaching staff again and got another chance to talk with them and he also got a chance to meet a lot of the other recruits for the first time. I think it was a great visit for him that just confirmed what he already knew about Alabama."

When it comes to pursuit from other recruiters, Cole said Tide fans have nothing to worry about at this point in the game.

"He won't be taking any more visits. He has the Team USA vs. The World All Star game that he leaves for next week and that will pretty much take away the rest of his time before Signing Day anyway."

In his one on one meeting time with head coach Nick Saban, Malone discussed his future role with the team among other topics.

"He's talked about a lot it with Coach Saban before but the plan is for him to come in and take some of the load off of Julio Jones by being able to get open with his quickness and his elusiveness. He's the type of receiver that compliments Julio really well and that's why he may be able to contribute right away."

While many speculated that Alabama would have difficulty holding onto Malone through the recruiting process, Cole said that those close to the star receiver knew all along that Malone's heart was with the Crimson Tide.

"From the day he committed to Alabama, other coaches have been asking me and asking him if he was really serious and if he was really going to stick to it and he always told everyone that he was set on Alabama. When Alabama was playing in the national championship game, no one was cheering for them harder than Keiwone. It was like he was already a part of the team. I think he believes in Alabama and he believes in Coach Saban and I know he's excited to get down there."

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