Josh Malin 'prepared and ready' for all challenges in 2018

SAN ANTONIO - Players changing positions under the direction of Baylor head coach Matt Rhule was a common theme in the first year of his tenure. One of the players to move was former Cibolo Steele star Josh Malin.

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The high school defensive lineman arrived at Baylor as a long defensive end prospect who would eventually make the move to the offensive side of the ball to play tight end. He spent his sophomore season in 2016 there, but once Rhule arrived and spent his first spring in Waco, Malin was destined for the trenches.

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Malin is noted as the starting left tackle in Baylor's initial release of the depth chart.

"I have really learned its not always what I think is best for myself," Malin said. "I have to take into consideration what other people think what I should be playing and I didn't really listen to people to people like that in high school.”

"But once I got here I fully understood what Coach Matt Rhule's idea was and it has made me better and a better decision for me for my football career."

After sitting out as a true freshman in 2014 to retain a year of eligibility, Malin then missed his redshirt freshman season while recovering from foot surgery. His development on the field was slowed because of the missed time almost as much as the three position changes.

"Yeah, I wish honestly now that I would have played offensive line a long time ago because I have played three other positions other than offensive line," Malin said.

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In a converstion about the potential position change, Rhule told Malin he had the option to continue playing tight end where he would be able to play about 20 plays. However, a move to the offensive line would put him in line for over 40 plays per game and give him the opportunity to start after he was physically developed. 

The whirlwind of position changes now are coming to an end, and by all indications, Malin acts and feels comfortable in his now 6-foot-6, 301-pound offensive lineman body.

As a junior in 2017, Malin played in all 12 games including a start against Liberty at left tackle and the season finale against TCU at right tackle. He's currently penciled in as the starting left tackle in the depth chart released last week at Big 12 Media Days.

"I do know (2017) was my first year playing a brand new position," Malin said. "I played defensive end when I first got here, the season before that defensive tackle, and then tight end so playing offensive line was just a flip around.”

"This season I feel very prepared and ready for anything that comes at me."

Malin will need to hold off Clemson transfer Jake Fruhmorgen who started at left tackle in the Green and Gold Game while he sat recovering from a minor knee injury, but even if he doesn't, there is a good chance he lands somewhere on the line with a great opportunity to contribute. 

According to Rhule at Big 12 Media Days, Malin could play four of the five positions on the line at any point this fall.

"For me it is just taking it one game at a time," Malin said. "Just focus on that week, once you get past it, celebrate the win then after that the next day focus on the next team.

"Gotta take it one game at a time and we don't have to worry about anything else."