John Kamron Malone has cemented his place in Coastal Carolina University football history as a formidable defensive back. Entering his senior year, Malone impressively ranked sixth in career passes defended for the Chanticleers, boasting 24 passes defended (21 PBUs and 3 INTs). Furthermore, his 99 unassisted tackles placed him 13th in the university’s career records, highlighting his consistent impact on the field.
Junior Season (2015)
Malone’s junior campaign in 2015 saw him start in all 12 games, underscoring his reliability and importance to the team’s defense. He led the team with six pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. The season opener against Furman set the tone, with Malone recording four tackles and two pass breakups. He continued his strong performances with five stops and another two PBUs in a victory over Western Illinois. Against Bryant, Malone achieved a season-high of seven tackles, all solo, along with a PBU. His impactful game against Liberty, featuring three tackles (1.5 for loss) and a pass breakup, earned him the team’s Defensive MVP title for that game.
Sophomore Season (2014)
In his sophomore year of 2014, John Kamron Malone again started in all 14 games, solidifying his role as a key defensive player. He tied for the top spot in the Big South Conference and ranked 33rd nationally in the FCS for pass breakups, accumulating 10 PBUs. His overall passes defended tally of 13 (10 PBU and 3 INT) placed him third in the league with an average of 0.92 per game. Malone also contributed significantly in tackles, ranking fifth on the team with 51. His standout performance against North Carolina A&T, which included five tackles and two pass breakups, earned him the Defensive MVP award for that game. A particularly impressive game against Gardner-Webb showcased his all-around skills, where he recorded six tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups. He consistently delivered strong tackle numbers, achieving six tackles each against Florida A&M, Elon, and Liberty. In the playoff victory against Richmond, Malone made a crucial 18-yard interception return and added two more pass breakups to his season highlights.
Redshirt Freshman Season (2013)
The 2013 season marked Malone’s redshirt freshman year, where he participated in all 15 games. He stepped into a starting role for the final five games following an injury to Samson Baldwin. Despite not starting initially, Malone finished eighth on the team in tackles with 43. His special teams contributions were also notable, with 10 stops, including eight on kick coverage. During Coastal Carolina’s three NCAA FCS playoff games, Malone was fourth in team tackles with 19, alongside three pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His first double-digit tackle game came against Bethune-Cookman in the first round, where he made 11 stops (10 solo). He was named Defensive MVP for the second-round playoff game at Montana, recording five tackles and two pass breakups. Earlier in the season, in only his second career start, Malone impressed with seven solo tackles, including a 15-yard sack and a PBU, against South Carolina.
Freshman Season (2012)
John Kamron Malone redshirted in 2012 during his true freshman year. However, even while redshirting, he was recognized for his contributions behind the scenes, being named Chant Squad MVP in the weeks leading up to games against Furman, VMI, and Bethune-Cookman.
Prior to Coastal Carolina
Before joining Coastal Carolina, Malone was a standout athlete at the high school level. As a senior, he earned a spot on the Charlotte Observer All-Region second team as a wide receiver. His talent was further recognized when he was named a Tom Lemming “Top Player” as a defensive back and received All-County honors as a wide receiver. His junior year was particularly impressive on defense, where he recorded five interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, placing him second in North Carolina’s record book for interception return touchdowns. He also made 60 tackles and had nine pass breakups that year. As a sophomore, he primarily played wide receiver, catching nine passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility. Beyond football, Malone also participated in basketball and track. His athletic background is rooted in his family, as his father, Mark, was a high school All-American wide receiver at West Iredell High School.
John Kamron Malone’s college career at Coastal Carolina is marked by consistent performance, versatility, and a strong defensive presence, making him a notable figure in the Chanticleer football program.
