St. Aug dual sport ATH Jason Malbrue chooses New Mexico Highlands
New Orleans — 2021 2-sport stud Jason Malbrue has had quite the senior year of high school thus far. It started with him playing football for the first time again since the eight grade. As a result, he recently signed with New Mexico Highlands University on a dual scholarship to play football AND basketball.
“Football was my first love. Growing up I only played football. Once I got to the 8th grade, I started playing basketball and I fell in love with it. As a freshman I wanted to play both sports but my coach wanted me to focus purely on basketball so I just stuck with basketball.”
The COVID-19 pandemic may have been somewhat of a blessing in disguise because it made Malbrue realize he should give football another chance. “When COVID hit, I made a last minute decision to go out and try it (football). That transition was super hard, but I caught on really quick. I would say the hardest part was learning the playbook. But but the middle of the season I got the hang of it.”
Once he got more comfortable on the football field, Malbrue really began to excell. He finished the season with 10 touchdown receptions in only 6 regular season games due to a reduced schedule because of the pandemic.
During the course of the season, a number of schools began to take interest in the relatively unknown prospect in the 6’6, 200 lb. frame, including Florida State.
“The whole (recruiting) process was very exciting. Hearing from a different coach every day can really build your confidence and it can motivate you to play at a higher level. I know for sure my recruitment could’ve blossomed even more had it not been for COVID. It really messed over the whole 2021 class but I’m just grateful and blessed to be in the position I’m in today.”
2020 also saw Malbrue suffer a fractured leg during a basketball game before the Purple Knights got into district play. Because of it, he’ll miss the rest of the team’s basketball season.
“It’s hard to watch, especially knowing this is my senior year. But I love seeing the dudes who played behind me come up, compete, and prove themselves. I have great teammates and coaches, they have been there every step of the way and kept me motivated throughout this tough process.
After my injury I lost contact with a lot of schools but New Mexico Highlands came into the picture and we just clicked. They offered me a full dual scholarship. Every offer I had was an dual offer but with New Mexico Highlands, I just felt it was the right move. A lot of people were surprised I chose them over some of the other schools, but at the end of the day I wanted to go somewhere I was celebrated and not just tolerated. New Mexico Highlands is going to get a leader. A verbal leader. Someone who is going to lead by example and do the right things even when nobody’s looking. Someone who’s gonna come in and compete from day one.”
As far as how he’s healing from the injury, which it was later discovered he needed surgery on both legs to prevent a fracture to his other leg, Malbrue’s doctor says he is actually ahead of their scheduled recovery timeline.
“My recovery is going great! I’m back up and walking regularly. My doctors tell me that I might be back in action sooner than they expected because of how well I’m healing.”