Tens of thousands of fans paint the stands orange and blue as the Cavalier marching band blasts electrifying sounds. The unstoppable force is back again in Scott Stadium, foot to field. His name? Malachi Fields. His game? Dynamic.
The 2022-2023 football season is underway, and there is one player that is taking center stage. His determination and dedication to the game captivates fans and coaches alike. Look out, Wahoos, because junior Malachi Fields means business each and every time he steps onto the field.
Malachi Fields’ thrilling football journey didn’t begin with the Cavaliers. Born in Keswick, Virginia, Fields attended Monticello High School, where he was an absolute powerhouse. Playing quarterback and cornerback, he was ranked a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247sports and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.
At Virginia, Fields plays wide receiver. In 2021, he played a total of 11 Virginia games and started against Duke as a freshman. In his first season playing division one football, he caught three passes for 60 yards in Virginia’s Louisville win and three passes for 35 yards against Wake Forest.
Fields only appeared in a single game during the 2022 season yet still caught five passes and recorded his first touchdown for the Cavaliers against Pitt. As a result of the tragic shootings of Nov. 13, Virginia’s season was cut short.
This year during preseason, Fields was included on the Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list. This past week in Nashville, he surpassed his previous career-high by catching four passes for 63 yards.
After taking time off from the previous season, the Virginia Cavaliers have a new reason to play the game they love. Their brothers, D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr. and Devin Chandler, are watching over them everyday both on and off the field.
In addition to Malachi Fields, there are other noteworthy players that’ll make positive impacts this season. Graduate students Perris Jones and Malik Washington and senior Kobe Pace are all talented and hardworking players that will be crucial to the success of the Virginia football team. Still, Fields’ meticulous and strategic approach to the game is what sets him apart.
Malachi Fields’ height allows him to easily control the ball, stretching and lengthen his body to make impressive catches. His abilities extend far beyond just his football career. Fields embodies what it means to be a humble leader.
Fields is expected to make a significant impact this season as a result of his football achievements thus far. After coming off a foot injury last season, he’s hungrier than ever for a piece of action. He’s been a playmaker in previous seasons and he’ll continue to do so again this season. Virginia coaches have often mentioned his humility and winning mentality during times of adversity.
People know his number, they know his face, and they know his name. And if they don’t, they will this season.
Like with any athlete, there’s a possibility for challenges and obstacles to arise. This season, especially, there is more pressure than ever on the Virginia football team, coaches as well as players. Fields, in particular, will need to remain focused, so he can continue to break his career-highs. Although difficult, this will still be manageable for Fields as he continues to grow and develop as an athlete.
Malachi Fields’ plays a pivotal role in Virginia’s success this season. From his time at Monticello to his accomplishments at Virginia, Fields has proven that he has what it takes to be a showstopper on the team. His unique playing style and refusal to back down amidst competition is exactly what makes him so remarkable. On and off the field, Malachi Fields encapsulates the traits of a successful college athlete and person.
Destiny Rae Jones 