We have established a few things these past few years having written over 3500 stories on top NW Talent. The Heat Is On in the Pacific Northwest. NEVER has the interest in the football prospects of the Region been this hot. The #1 QB and The #1 Running Back in the Region are both based out of here in Max Browne (Skyline) and Thomas Tyner (Aloha) and that is after a year where we saw many of the best linemen in the Nation hail from our small corner of th world.
What does it all mean? Well it is a great reflection and recognition for the boys of the Northwest and their Coaching staffs who have always been among the best. It just took some time for us to break through the image of a far away place where "small-time" football was played. Guys like Coach Butch Goncharoff have led the way taking on teams like De La Salle and winning a few years back to start a National trend that now has Trinity of Texas fame coming here to play the Wolverines on National TV and rumors of a Manatee-Florida VS Skyline match up happening in week three in Seattle.
What that has done over the last decade has changed the way Coaches our West and now many back east view the Region. The word is out. If you do not recruit here you are missing out on some of the smartest kids in the Country who are as good of football players as you will find.
Back to work having made that point. There are always some kids you know are under the radar regardless of any of that. And today we bring you the story of one of them who we know at Seasons end will be on his way to college somewhere provided he stays on the path he is on. And his talent is undeniable.
Desmond Young is 5'11" and 180 pounds. He is a running back from Edmonds-Woodway who made some real noise last season running for 1,450 yards on 170 carries. That earned him First Team All WESCO Honors and Second Team All Area. Local Honors that he worked hard to earn.
But it is his speed that sets him apart. Watching his game film a while back we were reminded of another guy from a year ago; Mariner High Schools Keivarae Russell had the same speed and nifty moves and shortly after his film went National at Rivals.com his life changed forever launching him to All American status. While that was an exceptional outcome Young has the same skill set and the film showcases that.
Desmond also has a 37" vertical and a blazing fast shuttle at 4.0. He is a terrific running back and a killer on special teams with a shot at taking any kick to the house once it is in his hands. He could project to either side of the ball at this point where his defensive work as a corner / safety is note worthy.
His laser time last Summer was a 4.50 which is a 4.3 hand time. He is probably in that 4.45 Laser range now and when you look at guy like LaMichael James turning in 4.47 and being drafted into the League it helps people understand the speed your dealing with in Young.
"I think my speed is my best asset but I am quick too. Going onto the field I am looking to take advantage of those things every time I can," said Young. "This has been a blessing for me but has taken hard work too."
Desmond just returned from WSU Junior Day weekend where he had a real blast.
"They sent a letter and started to recruit me so I went out to meet them. It was a terrific visit and just looking at the facility and getting a chance to meet the staff was great. It is a really fun group of great coaches they have and Coach Leach is going to build a great program out there," said Young.
Now Utah and some other schools are moving in. That will happen for him no doubt. A hard worker in school he is dedicated to his grades but nothing is a given.
"Right now I am working hard on Math and trying to maintain my GPA of 3.0 to make sure my college options are all there for me. So Track may have to take a back seat for grades and football has to come second," said a smart kid who finds the conflict so many kids find between their first love i sports and the necessity of staying eligible for the NCAA Clearing house.
We are really high on Desmond Young and realize he split carries with his team mates last season in accomplishing so much. Coach John Gradwahl has a real weapon for his Edmonds-Woodway Warriors in this Kid. So will some lucky College.
"Colorado just called my coach and said they are really high on me. So things are looking good," said Young. "In the meantime I just need to keep working hard."
Indeed Desmond! Yes indeed.
Here is Desmond Youngs Film from last year. Your going to want to make sure to watch this as it tells the story outlined above so much better!
