One on One: Malik Golden ‘12 - Wide Receiver/ D-Back - Cheshire Academy (CT) - Football
Posted: September 08 2011
Malik Golden '12 of Cheshire Academy is one of the most talented athletes in New England. The wide receiver / cornerback committed to Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions prior to his senior season and he appears poised to have a big final season.
We caught up with Malilk to discuss his upcoming season and his Penn State commitment.
You are getting ready to play your senior year and you have your commitment to Penn State all set. Can you talk about going into the season with a clear mind and just able to focus on the football field?
MG: Yeah that was one of the main reasons to commit before the season so I could have a clear mind and focus on the task at hand and that is a Bowl win.
Heading into your final year at Cheshire Academy can you talk about how the experience has been at the school, not only with football but with academics and environment?
MG: My experience at Cheshire Academy has been nothing but positive, the school has really helped shape me into the person I am striving to be on and off the field. I am getting a quality education and playing for a great football program also.
Looking at this upcoming season, how does the team look? What are your team goals for the 2011 season?
MG: The team looks really good, we have some great new pieces and once we can get everyone on the same page I can see this team being very successful.
You are going to be a Nittany Lion in 2021-2013. Can you talk about you commitment? How did it go down and what made you decide to commit before your senior year?
MG: I committed on my unofficial to coach Paterno and the coaching staff. Everything just felt right, after watching the team practice and speaking to the academic advisors, i believe i can be successful at PSU.
credit: Randy Litzinger/Icon SMI
What is the one thing you love most about Penn State that stands above all the others?
MG: The great blend of football and academics that not too many schools in the entire country can compete with. They do everything the right way at PSU and I want to be apart of that.
You are on e of four New England players currently committed to Penn State in the class of 2012. Can you talk about the others and what you know about them and their games? Jake Kiley, Armani Reeves, and Camren Williams?
MG: Yeah I know all of them and we will all be at the PSU vs. Alabama game. Armani and I are going to make a good corner duo while Jake is an underrated safety prospect. Cam was somewhat like a recruiter, just trying to get me to come on board. He is also a very good ILB.
What was the best piece of advice that you received during your recruiting experience and what is something that you could share with others who are going through the process?
You have to do what is best for you. You cannot be worried about hurting coach's feelings because you are not the only person they are recruiting. Also, don't buy into any hype. A big offer list does not mean you are better than someone. You have to prove it day in and day out.
Can you talk about your game? What are your strengths as a player and can you talk about the work that you do off the field to get better on and off the field?
My size and athleticism are my strengths. i am tough mentally and physically and I can be a leader. I do a lot of speed and agility workouts because speed really does kill. I also do a lot of box jumps to get my jumping ability and explosions better.
When you have free time what do you like to do away from the football field and gym? (Hobbies, interests etc.)
MG: I just like to have fun. I am a big jokester and I just love to hang with friends, teammates and family since they all mean the world to me.
Lastly, what is something about you or your interests that not many people know about? Anything unique or different?
MG: Nobody believes me when I tell them that I am very shy. Also, not to many people know that my first year playing football in seventh grade my youth team won a National Championship. That was really cool.
