Nebraska WR coach Garrett McGuire: Malachi Coleman can be as good as he wants to be

When Matt Rhule has the opportunity to keep one of the best prospects in the country in the state of Nebraska, he has to capitalize. His first big test and success was four-star Lincoln (NE) Lincoln East ATH Malachi Coleman, fending off a late push from Colorado‘s Deion Sanders. A huge win for the Cornhuskers who now have an explosive offensive weapon on their side.

Now, it’s go-time for Nebraska and Coleman as wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire gets to work with the freshman for the first time. He believes Coleman has a high ceiling and everything will be determined by his work ethic. Thankfully, a strong upbringing means he will be ready to work.

“Malachi can be as good as he wants to be,” McGuire said. “He’s a good football player. He’s got a natural motivation, he’s very self-motivated. He comes from a great Mom and Dad, they’re awesome… He’s been doing a really good job.”

The measurables for Coleman are hard to pass up. He sits at 6’4 and weighs in at just under 200 pounds. His vertical is reportedly 39 inches and has timed under 10.5 seconds in the 100 meters in cold Nebraska conditions. Watching his senior year HUDL makes it evident Nebraska has a good player.

Physical skills are only half of the evaluation, though. In order to contribute right away and eventually find consistency in college football, the mental evaluation must check out as well. McGuire says Coleman has passed that aspect with flying colors, being a few steps ahead of other Nebraska freshmen wide receivers.

“He’s kind of the leader of that freshman crew right now just from what I am seeing, what I am hearing,” McGuire said. “He’s got a voice in the room. It’s pretty cool to hear him answer questions. It puts pressure on some of those other freshmen because ‘hey, he’s answering this question at a really, really high level.’ The other guys don’t know that but Malachi is ahead. It kind of speeds up their learning process.”

The off-the-field has impressed McGuire but as the fall gets closer, he is able to see Malachi Coleman on the field for the first time. “Impressed” was the word he used to describe watching Coleman, knowing he has a good football player on his hands.

“I’ve been impressed with watching him live,” McGuire said. “He’s been around me and been to some meetings but I never got to watch him live. Watching him live, I’m excited. He’s a very, very good football playoff.”