‘He has that it factor': Elijah Young's journey from South Doyle to the NFL
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Clark Duncan coached high school football for over 40 years. It's safe to say he's watched many talented high school football players. However, Elijah Young will always stick out in his mind.
'I told him, 'You've done everything at South Doyle you can possibly do. From being All-State, Mr. Football, Gatorade Player of the Year. Now, you just need to play and get in the Hall of Fame.''
That was Coach Duncan's message to his former star running back after Young signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent this past weekend.
LIST: Tennessee football players picked, signed during 2025 NFL Draft
'Just hearing that the Kansas City Chiefs had signed him, it was overwhelming,' said Duncan. 'We treat these kids like they're our kids. Well, he's not a kid anymore, he's a grown man.'
However, Elijah once was a young kid whose talent shined just a bit brighter than the other players on the field.
'When he was in middle school, I just remember watching him play and knew he was special,' said Duncan. 'I knew there was something different about him compared to the guys he was playing with. And obviously that was the case.'
Young became one of the most successful running backs in South Doyle football history. He was named Tennessee's Class 5A Mr. Football Award winner as well as the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. In his senior season, he racked up over 2,400 yards with 43 touchdowns.
Powell alum Walter Nolen selected 16th overall by the Arizona Cardinals
'Right now, there's a lot of kids in South Knoxville who want to be Elijah Young,' said Duncan. 'Just the pride that we have a kid who has signed to be an NFL player.'
However, Young will first have to prove he can be an NFL player during rookie camp. He will be competing with this year's draft picks for a spot on the roster. Coach Duncan said Young is ready to seize this opportunity.
'He has that 'it' factor,' said Duncan. 'He has a drive not just athletically, but also mentally. He pushes himself and he believes he is capable of doing the things he sets out to do.'
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