Player Preview: John Young

On3 imageby:Freddie Maggard12/16/19
John Young has been steadfast and loyal since committing to Coach Mark Stoops. The Louisville product has acted as a recruiting coordinator within the recruiting circles as the Wildcats are looking to land one of its most impressive Signing Day hauls in recent history. His pre-Signing Day eagerness has been refreshing. Kentucky bested Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Auburn, and several others for the services of the 4-star offensive tackle.  Just a small sample of the recruiting Young did as a commit. https://twitter.com/the_johnyoung/status/1137553022425489408 https://twitter.com/the_johnyoung/status/1167886105439391745

Measurables 

Young is currently listed at 6’6, 290-pounds, preferable measurables for an SEC offensive lineman. He also possesses a strong core base, hand-size, and arm-length that is required to play offensive tackle. 

Film Study

  • Played right and left tackle. 
  • Athletic ability to pull from the tackle position across the line-of-scrimmage in order to finish a block. Showed familiarity and comfort in pass protection, zone-blocking, and power schemes. 
  • Heavy punch, will be heavier after strength training. Several knockdown blocks. 
  • Excellent disposition and nasty attitude. 
  • Quick kick-step in pass protection followed by a fundamentally sound stance to counter rush. Well coached. Exceptional hand-fighter. 
  • Locks onto blocks. Finishes engagements. 

Projection

Offensive linemen are normally slow cookers. Young would greatly benefit from a redshirt year to increase strength and learn from an experienced and proven offensive line room. Based off film study I see a two-position player, which means he could develop into a tackle or guard. He could potentially play center if necessary. Comparable traits that Darian Kinnard, Luke Fortner, Logan Stenberg and Jon Toth displayed as seniors in high school. 

What Does All This Mean?

John Young is a heck of a football player with a high ceiling. Projects as a multi-year starter. Will initially play tackle, but could play guard. Signing Young is a tremendous positive for the Kentucky football program. Keeping in-state, elite line-of-scrimmage players at home is paramount (i.e. Drake Jackson, Landon Young). His attitude throughout the recruiting process has been a precursor for the type of teammate he will become. The kid’s a leader. Young’s signature will be momentous. Kentucky Football 2020 Recruiting Class Player Previews: D’Eryk JacksonDeondre Buford, Andru PhillipsKalil BranhamTre’vonn RybkaJuTahn McClainIzayah CummingsEarnest SandersJustin Rogers

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2024-03-28