Tennessee is making an early push for one of the fast-rising linebackers in the class, and Jayvion “Pop” Maldon noticed.
The 2028 Loudon Sports Academy (VA) linebacker picked up his 13th Division I offer and second from an SEC program when Tennessee entered the picture. Maldon shared the news on X, putting the Volunteers alongside schools such as Virginia Tech, Boston College, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and others in his growing list of suitors.
“AGTGGG!! Beyond blessed to announce that I’ve received my 13th d1 offer and 2nd sec offer from THE university of TENNESSEE!! #GBO🍊 #LLG❤️🩹@CoachJackson26 @CoachDC72 @ClarenceTK74 #BLESSED pic.twitter.com/vNFqxeEXFU”
Maldon said the offer hit home.
“I felt very excited,” Maldon said of the offer. " I'm also relieved the country is starting to see all of the work I've been putting in on and off the field trying to be a good guy and a monster on the field."
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Maldon brings the kind of frame that jumps off the page, but his production isn’t the only thing turning heads. He also carries a 3.85 GPA, which only adds to the appeal for programs looking at the full package.
Tennessee’s name carries weight on its own, and Maldon already has some familiarity with the program. Even so, he said the Vols have separated themselves in one important way.
“They (Tennessee) are a national powerhouse. I like how the fans and reporters are showing love to me early on,” explained Madon.
Deonte' Cruse, known as Coach DC, was the one who delivered the offer, and Maldon said the message was direct.
“He (Coach DC) loved my game and character. His message was to keep working because as soon as you get complacent, it's over. That's real,” Maldon said.
Maldon plans to get to Rocky Top this fall, though a date has not been set yet. When he does make the trip to Knoxville, he already knows what he wants to learn more about.
“How a day in the life goes as a football player and student. It's bigger than just football. Also, how the coaches handle relationships with players when the going gets rough,” Maldon told Vols on SI.
For a young player, that kind of curiosity says plenty. Maldon isn’t just looking at the logo or the offer sheet; he’s trying to understand how a program works when things aren’t perfect.
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