Michael Malloy

2015: Played in 12 games, earning five starts at running back … finished the season with 12 carries for 152 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry for two touchdowns … also had 12 catches for 269 yards, averaging 14.9 yards per receptions for three touchdowns … had four kickoff returns for 98 yards … scored a two-yard receiving touchdown in UNI’s win over #7 Eastern Washington (9/12) … had three catches for 67 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown against #4 Illinois State (10/3) … punched in an 11-yard rushing touchdown against #2 North Dakota State (10/10) … recorded two catches for 69 yards and a career-long 49-yard touchdown against Southern Illinois (11/21).

2014: Did not see action.

Prior to UNI: Redshirted at the University of Iowa in 2012 … did not see action in 2013.

High School: Lettered in football at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School … earned first team All-State in 2011 … helped lead his team to the state championship game in 2011 … suffered major knee injury as a senior and saw very little game action … as a junior rushed for 1,668 yards and 29 touchdowns on 207 attempts … rushing total ranks third on Heelan’s single-season rushing chart … rushed for 241 yards in state quarterfinals, a total that ties as 10th best at Heelan for single game … averaged 8.1 yards per carry, which ranks sixth all-time at Heelan for average per carry for a season . . . also had 26 receptions for 210 yards and two scores … rushed 136 times for 822 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore … saw action as a freshman, rushing three times for 10 yards in one game as Heelan claimed state 3A state title … also lettered in track and field, winning the state championship and breaking a school record in the 400 meters in 2011 … was also a 4X400 meter relay, 4X200 meter relay and spring medley state champion in 2010 … also lettered in basketball.

Personal: Son of John and Twyla … has two siblings, Alex and Brian … majoring in computer science … was part of the Gold Honor Roll while at Bishop Heelan High School.

Great size and versatility. Originally recruited to Iowa but didn’t feel at home. He found that feeling at UNI where Malloy played several positions at Northern Iowa that included tight end and fullback.

Sharing the ball rather equally with running back Tyvis Smith and quarterback Aaron Bailey, who combined for 355 carries, and Malloy has avoided the punishment of playing the position. Take into consideration Texas running Back D’Onta Freeman who carried the football 323 times alone this year on his way to 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Watching him at YSU, it was evident he has a great frame and leg drive. He possesses the ability to move the chains and his ability to become a weapon out of the backfield is a specialty. Malloy has the size, great forward lean, runs with power to breaks tackles and displays soft hands.

“I think I can catch the ball as well as David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) out of the backfield,” said Malloy when asked to give trait he feels that compares to the former Northern Iowa running backs skill set.

Johnson is arguably the best running back out of the backfield in the National Football League. If NFL Scouts feel Malloy possesses those same qualities, he’ll be a late round prospect or undrafted free agent earning his way on to the 53-man roster.