Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jerrell Young, WR, Saint Mary’s

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Jerrell Young, WR, Saint Mary’s

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school/JUCO?
After High School there were two FBS schools and three Division 2 schools. JUCO I had one FCS school five Division 2 schools and a lot of NAIA schools. Some schools wanted me to play football and baseball when i got there.

How did you come to make your college decision?
I looked for a school that I would grow from. Not only athletically but academically. Saint Mary is one of the top schools in the midwest, they also throw the ball around 30 times a game. That was music to my ears.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?
I will be training at Simoneau Sports Performance in Overland Park, Kansas. My goal is to be able to test well and show that i have the ability to play with the best of them.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
Yes, A lot of scouts feel that I run great routes and do well adjusting to the ball in the air. The biggest thing they have been impressed with is catching ability, with 9 7/8 inch hands and some jumping ability, I’m able to bring a lot of things down. A lot of scouts see me playing in the slot rather than outside like I played at St.Mary’s

At your position, what separates you from the others?
My work ethic and preparation, God gave me the gift to be able to play ball, but I work at it everyday. Footwork, route techniques, how to get off jams; I don’t stop until i have figured everything out and perfect it that way nothing comes as a surprise on game day.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
I’ll go through each play and first try to recognize the defensive scheme as a whole from D-line to DBs. Once I have that I see how each player on defense fits in that scheme. Then I focus on the DB’s and see if I can find a tendency. Does their stance change in certain defenses or where does the DB normally flip his hips to turn and run. I also know what we do at our school so I think on how I can make certain routes look similar that way in game time my double moves are more effective.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
Myron Johnson or Lametrius Davis. We all played in the same conference but at different times. They are both older than me, but when I’m back in Portland, Oregon and going against them I know if I play around at the line to long I won’t be leaving the line.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
I would say Steve Smith. I can run and jump on the outside but am big enough to bang with the guys on the inside.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The naysayers have always been a problem. I went out for receiver my freshmen year of high school and did very well, however the coach didn’t think i had the right body type for receiver and moved me. I didn’t go back to receiver til junior year, I knew that i wanted to be a receiver and knew i wouldn’t be happy if I played anywhere else so I prayed and everyday did what it took to play receiver. It taught me that as long as I have god and believe in myself I don’t have to much to worry about.

What system fits your style of play the best?
That’s tough, I like New England, New Orleans and I also like the Colts. All these teams facilitate the ball around and move players around a lot. And being on the same page with those Quarterback’s means you could be in for a great day because they’ll fed you.

What is your biggest strength?
My hands and their consistency, growing up in Oregon you learn how to catch in the rain and cold so there’s not a reason for me not to catch the ball, I’ve played in it all. I also make sure to catch at least 100 times a day.

What is your biggest weakness?
Sometimes I work too hard. Every once in awhile I will work so hard at something that when its time to move on to something else I’m lagging and wont have the energy if I would have just come back to it later,

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
I have a good speed and good hands. I have experience on the inside and outside. I have played in a Pro Style, Air Raid, West Coast, Run and Gun, and Spread offenses and have had success at all of them; which means no matter what offense you throw at me I’ll be able to adapt. I believe that if you put me out there on the field you will be very pleased at the way that I am able to react to defenses and find holes. There’s not to many things at receiver that I’m not able to do.

Growing up, who was your role model?
My dad. I grew up in a family that worked its way up the later. We moved to Portland and were struggling but everyday my dad went to work and grinded for our family. I watched my dad take us from a small apt to a 4 bedroom house. I learned the significance of hard work and faith,

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
Washington Redskins and Jerry Rice. I was born in DC so I love that team and Oregon doesn’t have a team. Jerry Rice is my favorite because in elementary school I wrote 30+ letters to NFL Players and he was one of them. He was the only one to write back. He wrote and signed a picture and said “Don’t ever give up on your dreams.” about 6 months ago I tweeted at him about this situation and he favorited and retweeted it.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
Jesus, My Grandma, and my daughter,

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
I would probably buy some food. haha ..I would be so excited that I had the money I would go to the mall and think about all the stuff I could buy and then somehow find the food court.