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Malin Jones, Northwestern Wildcats football, No. 20

Who? Malin Jones! Sorry. He chose Northwestern over Notre Dame, but don't expect him to figure in at running back this year -- future's bright, tho.

By Rodger Sherman
Most people named "Malin" are Norwegian women.
Most people named "Malin" are Norwegian women.
Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE
We're down into the final 20! Irritating thing for me: now everybody is pretty mucha player, because that's how low numbers work. Today, Malin Jones, who might be one of two or three players left who isn't expected to be a factor for the Wildcats this year. That doesn't mean he isn't good! In fact, he is very much that thing judging from what he did in high school.

Origin myth

Malin comes from Naperville but went to Joliet Catholic -- not to be confused with Providence Catholic, where other Northwestern football players have played, which is also in Joliet -- and was a damn star for the Hilltoppers. He ran for 1,000 yards his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, ending up with 4,087 yards and 57 touchdowns on the ground. (That's third on the school's all-time list, but more than Mike Alstott.) As a senior in 2011, he did incredible stuff: 1,681 yards rushing, 25 touchdowns, a school record for receiving yards in a game (220), plus 35 tackles, a pick and fumble recovery as a safety/linebacker. The squad made the state championship game, but lost :( How about some highlights!

WRECKING SHOP. ,P. Dude was a solid get for Northwestern: he ranked as the No. 33 RB in the nation per 247's composite, was a MaxPreps All-American, and was invited to the Semper Fidelis All-American game. He committed really early, choosing Northwestern over Notre Dame, Louisville, Iowa, Illinois, and Boston College midway through his junior year and never wavering.

At Northwestern

YESSSSS A PLAYER WHO REDSHIRTED WE HAVEN'T HAD ONE IN SO LONG WE'VE ACTUALLY GOTTEN TO ALL THE ACTUAL PLAYERS WOOO

Anagram of choice

Discovering the Wildcats' true inner selves through spelling

Malin Jones, anagrammed, is

NINJA MOLES

They live underground, but moles will strike when you least expect it. This could also refer to a big ole spot on somebody's face that you don't notice. (Also considered: "Online jams," which is THIS:

Relevant musical selection

"Still Tippin'," Mike Jones ft. Slim Thug and Paul Wall

You know those comments on youtube videos that say stuff like "THUMBS UP IF YOU STILL LISTENIN TO THIS SONG IN 2013!!!" I think the people that write things like that are awful human beings and should be non-fatally shot, but I completely agree with their sentiment with regards to the song "Still Tippin'" by Mike Jones ft. Slim Thug and Paul Wall, which I listen to probably about once a month 15 times in a row. LOOK WHO CREEPIN LOOK WHO CRAWLIN STILL BALLIN IN THE MIX

How he can help

Looking down Northwestern's roster, there's a stable of running backs, and that's before Justin Jackson and Austin Anderson enter the mix. But Jones -- Notre Dame offer! -- stands out amongst them. But with Venric Mark and Mike Trumpy and Treyvon Green now isn't the time. It would be nice to see him contribute in a reserve role, but I don't expect him to be a huge contributor this year.

Depth chart projection

So yeah, he's not on the depth chart now, but the future is bright for Malin.

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