The Vols are working hard trying to finish up their 2019 recruiting class, but on Thursday they offered a big-bodied and talented 2020 receiver from the junior college ranks.
Malik Heath announced he received an offer from Tennessee via Twitter, stating that he is “truly blessed” to have received the offer.
Truly Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee #GoVols? pic.twitter.com/ZZFFrovJKU
— Ugly〽️an??♂️ (@MalikHeath2) November 2, 2018
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Heath is from Jackson, Mississippi and currently plays at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He is not yet ranked by 247Sports, but he has an impressive offer list. Florida, Arkansas, and Memphis, as well as perceived favorite Mississippi State, have all already offered him. When he was a 2018 recruit, Heath was a composite four-star per 247Sports, and he was the highest-rated player in Mississippi. Heath was initially committed to Mississippi State. However, when it came time to sign, he didn’t have his academics in order, and he had no choice but to go the JUCO route.
Because of this original commitment, most would assume that he will sign with Mississippi State after completing his necessary years of junior college, but that may not be the case. He initially pledged to Mississippi State when Dan Mullen was the head coach, and even though he stayed committed after he left, it certainly isn’t the same. He doesn’t fit in as well at Mississippi State under Joe Moorhead, and now Mullen is recruiting him to Florida. Now that Tennessee is in the mix too, his recruitment is relatively open. He isn’t currently committed anywhere now.
At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he has the build of a possession receiver, and he uses his size to his advantage. He gives quarterbacks a big target to throw too in the red zone, and he is valuable on 3rd down on intermediate routes. However, he also possess the ability to stretch the field deep and make big plays down the field. He is a solid route runner and does a good job of catching the ball with his hands rather than his body.
Heath has played in nine career games at the junior college level. He is averaging 37 yards per game and has scored four touchdowns. He has 28 receptions for 333 yards.
The 2020 receiver is an interesting prospect. The Vols still have plenty of ground to make up, and Heath will still need to make sure his academics are in order. However, he is someone that could contribute right away for the Vols if they can land him in next year’s class.
