Elite speedster Malcolm Johnson sees opportunity to play early at Tennessee, discusses interest in Vols

Elite speedster Malcolm Johnson sees opportunity to play early at Tennessee, discusses interest in Vols

Malcolm Johnson Jr. is 6'1, 185lbs and has elite speed to go along with his frame. Johnson has a personal best 0f 10.38 in the 100 meters, and he has run the 55 meters in 6.26 seconds. He holds offers from over 20 schools, however, he recently cut his list in half with Tennessee making the cut. He breaks down his relationship with the Vols and more here.

Johnson is being recruited by committee at Tennessee with, "Coach (Tee) Martin, Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt, and Coach (Tyler) Murphy" being the coaches he communicates with the most.

Johnson said, "their message is really just how my speed can make a difference on the field."

He continued, "it can be used in so many different ways such as special teams, and that they are not afraid to play freshmen."

Johnson said on what he likes the most about Tennessee, "I like the fact I will be able to do both track and football there because it is something I plan on doing."

He added, "I just think I need to get up there to see it in person."

His ultimate decision will come down to finding the right fit to be able to play both sports at the highest level. The Vols have produced highly competitive track stars in recent years, including Gold Medalist's Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin. Coming out of high school Coleman ran the same 100 meters time as Johnson does now, so the ceiling could be just as high for him.

Johnson does not have a commitment timeframe in mind, but he added keys for his decision would be, "playing against dogs and getting pushed so hard and fighting so hard in practice that the game will be easier because of how much we grind in practice- the iron sharpens iron mentality."

He continued, "and lastly, a program that cares about Malcolm Johnson the person and that can not only make me a better football and track athlete, but better as a man, as well."

Johnson is rated as the 132nd overall prospect nationally, the 19th receiver in the country, and the 5th overall prospect from Virginia, according to 247 Sports.