WR Malone is on the radar

It should be a good year for 2017 wide receiver Martez Malone and his New Lenox (Ill.) Providence Catholic teammates.

Among other talent on the squad are running back Richie Warfield (5-11, 200-pounds) and quarterback Jared Drake (6-3, 195-pounds) who are also seniors-to-be.

Last season, the Celtics were an admittedly young team with a lot of growing to do. This season, they have a year under their belt and potential.

“The off season is going well right now,” Malone said. “We just have a 7-on-7 team so we can get better. We're going to be in a good spot this year.”

Malone is getting a lot of interest on the recruiting trail -- including some from Illinois.

“I have heard a little bit from Illinois - they are coming by now,” Malone said. “They seem to be reaching out to everyone now that they just changed staffs and getting back in the game.”

In general, schools are intrigued by a couple things about Malone, who can play multiple positions.

“Coaches are saying they love my size,” Malone said. “I’m 6-3, 205-pounds and in-between a defensive back, tight end and a wide-out. They say they are impressed with how big I am, how I can move, and my hands.”

Other schools that have expressed interest in Malone are Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Syracuse, Wyoming and Ball State.

Besides playing 7-on-7, Malone said he has been doing individual workouts to get ready for his senior campaign.

“I have just been in the weight room trying to work hard, trying to get bigger,” he said. “It’s helped me get off the line faster.

“I’ve been working on being strong and getting out of breaks and working on making sure that defensive backs don’t get their hands on me right off the bat. Going up and getting the ball is something that I’ve been working on.”

Plus, he's had a big season with one of the nation’s top 7-on-7 teams, Midwest Boom.

“I had a great tournament in Detroit for Midwest Boom, “ Malone said. “I ended up having three picks and seven touchdowns on day one and day two I had four touchdowns and three two-point conversions.”