2011 RB Devrin Young Video

Devrin Young Video

Bearden High School running back Devrin Young has been a hot topic of discussion since his player thread was started on VolNation in March of 2009. Listed at mere 5-foot-7, 162 pounds, some have argued that Young doesn’t have the size or speed to play football in the Southeastern Conference. But based on his ability to consistently make big plays, many classify the talented athlete as simply, a playmaker.

Rivals analyst Barton Simmons was quoted last year after seeing Young for the first time:

“After seeing him in camp, I was very impressed” Simmons said. “The kid has ridiculous acceleration and change of direction and he catches the ball really well out of the backfield. His size will limit him but depending on his development, I’m a believer in him as an impact player.”

This season, Young has been on an absolute tear. Describing his (unofficial) 2010 statistics through five game as impressive would be an understatement.

Through 5 games:

57 carries 1,004 rushing yards 15 TD’s 17.6 YPC
62 touches 1,300 APY 20 TD’s 20.9 YPT.

So far Stanford is the only school that has offered Young a scholarship, but the rumor on the street is, he may be close to receiving a Tennessee offer.

Devrin Young ESPN Evaluation:

Young is quick-footed, scat-back type prospect with marginal size. Slight stature may hinder his recruitment at the major college level but in the right change-of-pace role we feel this guy could contribute. Reaches top speed extremely quick between the tackles. A threat in space and can shred defenses between the tackles as well. Picks and darts his way through traffic showing very good vision, balance and body control. Can stop-start and cut on a dime to make defenders miss through the hole. Very difficult to get a direct shot on with his smaller stature and ability to slide through the smaller creases. Redirects sharply and gets back to top speed within just a few steps. Shows good quickness to daylight; may be at his best on designed plays to the perimeter where he can freeze def enders out in space. Doesn’t gear down much cutting laterally and is difficult to mirror and breakdown on. While he lacks obvious size and power to earn a lot of yards after contact production he is a tightly-wound, quick-twitched athlete who keeps his legs constantly moving which makes him slippery to wrap up. Spins out of a lot of arm-tackles. However, we do question his durability at the next level and may be limited to a scat-back or multi-purpose type role as he does show polished receiving skills. Is elusive but a bit quicker than fast and lacks an explosive extra gear when he breaks free into the second level. Overall, Young still has coveted foot-quickness and should certainly make defenders miss at the next level. Could create some matchup problems if used in space creatively. Loose hips and great feet may garner a look at corner as well.