Taron Mallard
Tight End / Bethune-Cookman

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Taron Mallard:  My height is 6’5 and I am currently 245 pounds.      

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Taron Mallard:  In Orlando, I was able to get into the weight room.  I work out with Mike Lockley.  He is the number one trainer in Orlando.  He played for the Jags in the preseason.  He went to the CFL.  He runs the Total Body Sports.  He showed me a new way of lifting.  I am here Monday through Friday.  I have a field about 30 minutes away from my house.  I have been working out with another coach there.  Working on the cone drills and releases.  I have also been working out with my teammate TE Kemari Averett at Daytona Beach.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Taron Mallard:  Basketball was my dream sport.  I am from North Carolina.  I wanted to go to UNC and play college basketball.  We went to state my senior year.  I started all three years on varsity.  I was the center on the team.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Taron Mallard:  QB and receiver.  I was a starting QB my junior and senior year.  We ran the read option, but we threw quite a few TD’s.  I am able to read coverages and out leverage guys in man coverage and where to sit in zone.  I am seeing the game before it happens. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Taron Mallard:  My SAT scores didn’t allow me to go to D-I.  I had Auburn and Florida. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO? 

Taron Mallard:  I was a late-qualifier. I went to a JUCO in Texas.  I was supposed to spend only one semester there and transfer to Florida.  The first day at JUCO, my coach asked me to run a simple route.  It wasn’t even practice.  I broke my foot.  I missed the year.  The new coaching staff came in and tried to make me into an OT.       

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Bethune-Cookman? 

Taron Mallard:  Alcorn State was the first offer.  A day later Bethune-Cookman offered.  I lived in Orlando.  I knew that they played against North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central.  My grandfather could see me play.    

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career with the Wildcats?          

Taron Mallard:  I was a second string TE my first year.  I started two or three games.  I have the single season receiving record for a TE at the school.  I had 74 receiving yards against Norfolk State in a single game.  I bring the energy to the practice field and to my teammates.  I was second team all-conference my junior year.  Every year, I doubled what I did the previous year.  I had one catch the first year.  I had eight catches during my second year.  I had 16 catches as a junior for over 200 yards. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Taron Mallard:  To make it to the MEAC championship and win it.  We have to beat North Carolina A&T.  Whoever wins that game, goes to the Celebration bowl.  We went 7-4 last year.  We have good guys on defense.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Taron Mallard:  The mental side of it.  Knowing the defense.  I am not the strongest or the fastest, but I am the hardest working guy.  I find a way to win.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Taron Mallard:  Speed.  Last year, I broke in the open field for about 30 or 40 yards.  I got caught from behind.  If I would have been faster, I would have turned it into a TD.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Taron Mallard:  It was the first game of the season this past year.  We usually start the season by playing against Florida State or Miami.  This last year, we gave our coach his first opening season win.  We started 1-0 for the first time in five years.  I scored my first TD in that game.  I also had 60 receiving yards.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Taron Mallard:  To show up every day.  Guys have great freshmen years and then they fall off.  My coaches keep me humble.  Don’t get satisfied with what you have accomplished.  I can get better by coming in and working.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Taron Mallard:  I watch each and every TE in the NFL.  My favorite is Travis Kelce.    

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Taron Mallard:  TE Kemari Averett, LB Untareo Johnson, CB Henry Miller and DE Tony Bowman.

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your teammate TE Kemari Averett?  How do you push each other every day? 

Taron Mallard:  Kemari is from Louisville.  He is a great guy.  He taught me a lot.  He had some off the field issues.  He overcame adversity.  He is a dad and loves his child.  He is a great guy.  There is no competition.  We are 1A and 1B.  Kemari is faster.  We both bring the playmaking ability to the field.  He sat out last year.  I showed him everything and helped him.  We are best friends.        

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Taron Mallard:  DB Davanta Reynolds from North Carolina Central.  RB Jah-Maine Martin from North Carolina A&T is a guy who has a high motor.  Our defense stopped him for a loss on one play and then he scored a 70+ yard TD on the next play.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a TE?

Taron Mallard:  Being physical.  You can control the line of scrimmage.  Control the safety and the DE in the run game.  You can set the tone from the beginning.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Taron Mallard:  It is an escape from the real world.  No one can touch you on the field.  You can be yourself and set yourself free.  You don’t have to worry about anything.  It is a release from everything.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Taron Mallard:  I play basketball and go shopping.  I shop for shoes and clothes.  I used to be a sneaker head.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Taron Mallard:  I have already graduated.  I got my degree in criminal justice.  I want to finish up my master’s degree and become a professor.  I also want to open up a counseling center.  I am a prime example.  I was raised in poverty.  I want to influence the youth.  Tell them my story and how far I have come. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Taron Mallard:  Accountable, trustworthy, caring, leader, and motivated.