Tywone Malone's walk-off homer? Yeah, the Ole Miss football locker room went crazy, too.

Ole Miss safety Otis Reese never really considered playing two sports in college. 

Sure, he got some looks as a basketball player coming out of Lee County (Ga.) High School in 2018, but Reese knew pretty early on football was his future. He was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 65 player in the country during his recruitment.

He signed with Georgia before ultimately ending up at Ole Miss via the NCAA Transfer Portal, and he enters his senior season as one of the leaders of a Rebel defense that was vastly improved in 2021. Ole Miss allowed 24.7 points per game and 5.5. yards per play. The Rebels hadn’t given up fewer points per game over an entire season since 2015. Ole Miss surrendered 38.3 points per game and 6.7 yards per play the year prior.

So, Reese, like the rest of Rebel nation, was almost beside himself when Tywone Malone, who plays football and baseball at Ole Miss, notched his first collegiate hit on Sunday — a walk-off home run, in a 14-3, mercy-rule win over VCU.

“It was crazy,” Reese said. Malone, in the smallest of sample sizes, is is hitting .500 with two RBI, the home run and a slugging percentage of 2.000.

“He knocked that out the park, man. All the guys in the locker room, as a team, we support him. Being a two-sport athlete is an amazing thing. He’s a freak, and he’s got the talent and the discipline to execute two sports. Hats off to Tywone, man. That’s incredible for him, and to be a big guy, too.”

First of many 🥷🏿🔥 https://t.co/h750yj4GlN

— Tywone Malone (@TywoneMalone) February 27, 2022

Malone plays defensive tackle for the Ole Miss football team. 

However, while Reese and Malone’s other teammates are entrenched in the off-season strength and conditioning program, Malone is balancing his football obligations and the demands of a baseball season off to a hot start. 

Ole Miss is 6-0 overall. The Rebels, who are ranked as high as No. 2 in the country, next host ULM Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

“It’s been a grind,” the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Malone said, in a previous interview with Jake Thompson of the Ole Miss Spirit. “Baseball has always been a passion of mine. I knew it was going to be tough not playing for two years and then coming out, but (Ole Miss head) coach (Mike Bianco) gave me an opportunity and I just had to make the best of it.”

Malone’s opposite-field shot wasn’t a cheapie, either. 

The blast traveled an estimated 404 feet and left his bat at over 100 mph — made even more impressive by the fact it was his second competitive at-bat in three years. Malone missed his senior high school season because of a knee injury, and the COVID-19 pandemic cut his junior year short.

“It felt amazing,” Malone said after the game. “It was good to get that one out of the way. Looking forward to more.”

Swayze Showers always provide the feels.@TywoneMalone | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/zrgmuguM5R

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) February 27, 2022

Whenever the season wraps, Malone will return to the Manning Center, where Ole Miss hopes he makes a significant second-year leap. 

The Rebels are now without starters Sam Williams (defensive end) Mark Robinson (linebacker), Chance Campbell (linebacker), Jake Springer (safety), Deane Leonard (cornerback) and Lakia Henry (linebacker). Veteran reserve MoMo Sanogo (linebacker) transferred to Louisville.

Malone is going to be called upon to help offset the loss of Williams, in particular. He was previously ranked as a four-star and the No. 89 player nationally in the 2021 class. He chose the Rebels over, among others, Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and LSU. 

However, Malone played in only one game as a true freshman, finishing with three total tackles and a sack. Ole Miss opens spring practices March 22. The annual Grove Bowl is set for April 23. Malone will get out to the practice field when he can.

“We expect him to come in and contribute,” Reese said. “Give everything he’s got and work to be the best him. That’s all we can ask for. He’s still a young guy. He flashed in practice last year. He’s a guy. In football and baseball, he’s gifted.”

*** Ole Miss safety Otis Reese is sponsored by Millette Beach Condo Rentals. They can be reached at 850-424-5061. ***