:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37372196/20130420_krg_bm2_079.0_standard_352.0.0.jpg)
Cheshire Academy's (CT) Malik Golden faxed in his letter of intent to Penn State in February 2012, and had the option to go anywhere else without penalty just five months later. But the 3-star prospect stuck with our Lions, and redshirted his first year on campus while running receiver routes.
Last season Malik moved to the other side of the ball. He racked up five tackles on special teams in the first 11 games of 2013. Then, in the second half of the finale at Wisconsin, Malik ran with the starters in the defensive backfield. He made three tackles and one outstanding PBU in the second half, helping send the seniors out with a ranked team on the road. He looked like he belonged out there, too.
Malik figures to see significant time on special teams and defense this season, which is just 6 days away. Follow Malik on the tweeters @_goldenboy6.