Bryce Young reflects on lessons learned in Heisman season, motivation for 2022

In 2021, Bryce Young became the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. That’s quite an accomplishment — but, as he said before he attends the Manning Passing Academy, he wants more this season.

Young and the Crimson Tide made it to the College Football Playoff national championship game, where they fell to Georgia 33-18. He threw for 369 yards and a touchdown in the effort, but it wasn’t enough to cut through a staunch Bulldogs defense after Jameson Williams left with a torn ACL.

That loss is why Young still has a sour taste in his mouth about last year. Despite winning the Heisman, he said his goals for 2022 start and end with one thing: win a national championship.

“I’m blessed to have the individual success I’ve had, but it’s really a reflection of people around me and coaches,” Young said. “I’m super grateful for it. But at the end of the day, I don’t play for individual awards. That’s never been my goal, never will be my goal.

“The goal is to win, and that’s not what we did last year. So by no means was the job completed or finished. The season wasn’t a success. We failed in our goal, so knowing that I still haven’t gotten it right and working to try to ultimately achieve the goal that I have, that definitely drives me.”

Bryce Young reveals what he’s learned from, admires about Alabama’s Nick Saban

Young also discussed the lessons he has learned under Nick Saban as he gets ready for what could be his last year in Tuscaloosa. he spent one year behind Mac Jones before rising to stardom as the Alabama starter last season and winning the Heisman.

But Young said Saban told him to keep things in perspective as he gets ready for his junior season in Tuscaloosa.

“I think he gave me a really good outlook,” Young said. “Something I was thinking as well, but a really good outlook of being able to win an award that prestigious and being happy about it but also knowing that it doesn’t entitle you to anything. Knowing that it’s something that celebrates the past, but it’s not indicative of anything. Making sure that I’m humble, making sure that I have the same approach and even a better approach of what I’m doing day in and day out. That was something he immediately had told me.

“Again, to have someone, he’s been there, he’s obviously had other Heisman winners, so just to have that wisdom, that calmness and presence of mind to even in the moment be able to be happy for me and celebrate but also make sure I’m grounded. Just one of the many things I’ve learned from coach.”