Honors & Awards
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2022 (Freshman)
Malcolm Hartzog played in every game as a true freshman with eight starts. He led Nebraska with three interceptions while totaling 22 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and two pass breakups.
Hartzog played on special teams in the first three games before making his debut on defense against No. 6 Oklahoma. Hartzog earned the start at cornerback against Indiana, becoming Nebraska's first true freshman to start at corner since 2016. Hartzog broke up a pass against the Hoosiers and returned a blocked punt 30 yards for a touchdown. At Rutgers, Hartzog posted his first three career tackles and intercepted a pass to clinch the win on Rutgers' final offensive play. Hartzog posted an identical stat line the next week at Purdue with three more tackles and his second career interception. Against Illinois, Hartzog had a career-high four tackles. He matched that career high with four more tackles the next week against Minnesota. He made three tackles at No. 3 Michigan with a pass breakup. Hartzog had four tackles, 1.0 TFL and an interception that set up a touchdown against Wisconsin. In the season-ending win at Iowa, Hartzog recorded one tackle while limiting Iowa to 150 passing yards.
Before Nebraska (Jefferson Davis County HS)
Hartzog was the first Mississippi native to sign with Nebraska since Byerson Cockrell in 2014 and was the Huskers’ first scholarship recruit from the Mississippi high school ranks since Brandon Jackson in 2004. Hartzog was a standout on offense, defense and special teams for Jefferson Davis County High School.
Hartzog helped the Jaguars to a state championship as a senior, when he was named Class 3A Mr. Football. A cornerback, running back and returner, he rushed for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the state final and also had an interception and a pass breakup. On the season, Hartzog had more than 10 passes defended from his cornerback position. He also rushed for more than 1,200 yards and accounted for 44 total touchdowns, including 30 rushing touchdowns, three receiving scores and 11 combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns.
Hartzog was regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports, and he was the MVP of the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star game after recording nine tackles and an interception. He chose Nebraska after also considering Ole Miss, South Alabama and Southern Miss.
Personal
Malcolm was born on Dec. 17, 2003, and he is the son of Cecile Herrion-Oatis and Derrick Oatis.