Latest news with #Mr.FootballAward
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘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.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
29-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas signee named Alabama's Mr. Football for 2024 season
Texas signee named Alabama's Mr. Football for 2024 season Texas signee named Alabama's Mr. Football for 2024 season He hasn't stepped foot on the Forty Acres just yet, but Texas signee and senior quarterback KJ Lacey is already making waves as a Longhorn. The Alabama Sports Writers Association named him the state's top high school football player for 2024 at the annual Player of the Year Banquet on Tuesday afternoon. His selection marks the third consecutive Mr. Football Award for Saraland High School, following back-to-back wins by Ryan Williams in 2022 and 2023. No school had ever won the award in consecutive years before Saraland's recent run of dominance. One of the top pure passers in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Lacey is known for his quick release, accuracy at multiple levels, and ability to maneuver under pressure. While he lacks prototypical size, he makes up for it with sharp decision-making and the ability to create throwing lanes with his arm angles. His deep-ball accuracy and ability to extend plays make him a tough challenge for opposing defenses. 'It's truly a blessing,' Lacey said. 'All the hard work paid off. For Saraland to win all three 6A (back) awards in three years and three Mr. Footballs is special. I'm definitely glad to keep that streak going. I loved Saraland. I loved Alabama. Now, it's time to take my talents to Texas and see what I can do.' A proven winner, he entered his senior season with a 31-5 record as a starter and has led Saraland to back-to-back state championship game appearances in Alabama's highest classification. As he prepares for the jump to the collegiate level, he'll look to add size while maintaining the playmaking ability that has made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in his class. He'll join the Longhorns at an interesting time as Arch Manning takes over the helm in the forty acres.
