Bryce Young’s freshman season at Notre Dame is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary football career
From his dominant high school performances to his impactful debut with the Fighting Irish, Young has consistently demonstrated his potential to become one of the game’s greats.
Whether it’s on defense, special teams, or as a leader for Notre Dame, Young is a name that college football fans will hear for years to come.
Bryce Young’s rise to prominence in the NFL is a testament to the love, support, and guidance provided by his parents, Kristin and Bryant Young.
Their unwavering commitment to their son’s success, combined with their own remarkable achievements, serves as an inspiring example of the power of family.
Whether through Kristin’s philanthropic work or Bryant’s legendary football career, the Young family’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and shared triumph.
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Table of Contents
Bryce Young: Bio
Early Life and High School Career
Bryce Young, the towering 6-foot-7 defensive phenom, began carving his path to football stardom in Charlotte, North Carolina.1
Growing up with a passion for sports, Young’s athleticism and competitive spirit became evident at a young age. His time at Charlotte Christian High School was instrumental in shaping his journey.
As a junior, he led the team to the state championship, showcasing his ability to dominate the field on both defense and special teams.
Young’s senior season was a testament to his relentless work ethic and innate talent. Recording 97 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, he proved to be an indispensable asset for Charlotte Christian. Despite facing tough opponents, he guided his team to an impressive 8-4 record.
By the end of his high school career, Young had accumulated 191 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 23 quarterback hurries, and five forced fumbles—statistics that underscored his dominance on the defensive front.
It’s that time again. Year ✌️ @DrinkBODYARMOR pic.twitter.com/XT9hV6RJNr
— Bryce Young (@_bryce_young) September 5, 2024
The Recruitment Process
Bryce Young’s high school performances did not go unnoticed. Rated as a five-star recruit by 247Sports, he was ranked as the No. 1 player in North Carolina for the 2023 recruiting class. His combination of size, strength, and speed made him a coveted prospect for top-tier college programs.
Young faced a deluge of offers from prestigious football schools, including California, Duke, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee, USC, and Wisconsin.
However, it was Notre Dame that ultimately won his commitment. The Fighting Irish offered a program steeped in tradition, a top-notch academic environment, and the opportunity for Young to thrive both on and off the field.
The Transition to College Football
Adjusting from high school to college football is no easy feat, but Bryce Young has handled the transition with poise.
In his freshman season with Notre Dame, he has already begun to make his presence felt on defense and special teams. Although his primary role has been as a backup, his impact has been significant.
Through the 2024 season, Young has recorded 16 total tackles and achieved his first career sack against the Florida State Seminoles. This milestone not only boosted his confidence but also demonstrated his potential as a game-changer for the Fighting Irish.
Bryce Young: Career
Attributes That Set Young Apart
Standing at 6-foot-7, Bryce Young’s height gives him an unparalleled advantage on the field. His long arms and athletic frame allow him to disrupt passing lanes and overpower offensive linemen.2
Despite his size, Young moves with remarkable agility, making him a versatile defender capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run.
Young’s understanding of the game is another factor that sets him apart. His ability to read offensive schemes and anticipate plays has been evident throughout his career. Whether it’s positioning himself to make a tackle or timing his blitz to perfection, Young’s football IQ has made him a reliable asset for Notre Dame’s defense.
Although still a freshman, Bryce Young has shown glimpses of leadership on and off the field. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his dedication to improving his craft. His relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in his preparation, from studying game film to refining his technique during practice.
Special Teams Impact
In addition to his defensive contributions, Bryce Young has flourished on special teams. His size and speed make him an ideal player for punt and kick coverage units.
Special teams play often goes unnoticed, but Young’s ability to make key tackles in open space has provided a significant boost to Notre Dame’s overall performance.
First Career Sack: A Milestone Moment
One of the standout moments of Bryce Young’s freshman campaign came during Notre Dame’s matchup against the Florida State Seminoles. Late in the game, Young broke through the offensive line and delivered a textbook sack on the quarterback. The play not only showcased his skill set but also marked a significant milestone in his budding college career.
The moment was celebrated by his teammates and highlighted his potential to become a dominant pass rusher in the years to come. For Young, it was a validation of his hard work and a glimpse of what lies ahead.
The Role of Coaching in Young’s Development
- Notre Dame’s coaching staff has played a pivotal role in Bryce Young’s early development.
- Defensive line coach Al Washington has worked closely with Young to refine his technique and maximize his physical attributes.
- By focusing on fundamentals such as hand placement, leverage, and footwork, the coaching staff has helped Young transition seamlessly to the college level.
- Head coach Marcus Freeman’s defensive philosophy has also been a perfect fit for Young.
- Freeman’s emphasis on aggressive, high-energy play has allowed Young to thrive in a system that values his strengths as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
- It’s not uncommon for young players like Bryce Young to draw comparisons to NFL stars.
- His size and playing style have led some analysts to liken him to defensive end Calais Campbell, known for his towering presence and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage.
- While such comparisons are flattering, Young remains focused on forging his own identity as a player.
Bryce Young: Off the Field Character
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bryce Young is known for his humility and character. Despite the accolades and attention, he has remained grounded.3
Young values education and is fully committed to excelling academically at Notre Dame. His dedication to his studies reflects his understanding of the importance of a well-rounded college experience.
Young’s leadership extends beyond the football field. He is actively involved in community service initiatives and serves as a role model for younger players. His commitment to giving back highlights the values instilled in him during his upbringing.
Goals for the Freshman Season
As the 2024 season progresses, Bryce Young has set clear goals for himself. He aims to continue improving his tackling technique, increase his sack total, and earn more playing time on defense. By focusing on incremental progress, Young is laying the foundation for a successful college career.
Looking ahead, Bryce Young’s ultimate dream is to play in the NFL. With his physical tools and work ethic, he has the potential to achieve this goal.
However, he understands that the journey requires patience and perseverance. By continuing to develop under Notre Dame’s coaching staff, Young is positioning himself for a bright future in professional football.
Notre Dame’s football program has a storied history of producing NFL talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Bryce Young has the opportunity to add his name to this illustrious list. His combination of size, skill, and determination makes him a perfect fit for the Fighting Irish’s legacy of excellence.
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Bryce Young’s Parents
Bryce Young, the talented NFL quarterback, has become a household name due to his impressive skills on the field.
However, behind his success is a supportive family foundation, built by his parents Kristin Young and Bryant Young. Let’s dive deeper into their lives and how they have contributed to Bryce’s journey.
Kristin Young: The Compassionate Mother
Educational Background
Kristin Young, Bryce Young’s mother, has an impressive academic background. She graduated from the prestigious University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
Her education didn’t stop there—she went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Welfare. These qualifications highlight her commitment to understanding and helping others.
Professional Involvement
Kristin Young’s career reflects her passion for making a difference. She is an active member of various charitable organizations.
As a board member of the Pro Athlete Outreach, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and Young Life, Kristin has shown her dedication to creating a positive impact on society. Through her work, she supports families, children, and athletes alike.
Kristin Young has been a guiding force in Bryce’s life. Her nurturing nature and strong moral values have shaped his character both on and off the field. Kristin’s involvement in social causes has also inspired Bryce to remain grounded despite his fame.
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Bryant Young: The Hall of Famer Father
A Storied Football Career
Bryant Young, Bryce Young’s father, is no stranger to the world of professional sports. A former All-American at Notre Dame, Bryant’s football journey is legendary.
He was selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent an incredible 14 seasons as a defensive tackle. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring as a player, Bryant transitioned into coaching. He has worked as a defensive line coach for several teams, including San José State, the University of Florida, and the Atlanta Falcons.
His knowledge and experience in football have undoubtedly been a resource for Bryce as he navigates his own career in the NFL.
Bryant Young’s discipline and determination have set a powerful example for Bryce. As a father, he has been a source of encouragement and wisdom, teaching Bryce the importance of hard work and resilience.
Bryant’s achievements in football have also provided Bryce with invaluable insights into the demands of the sport.
Bryce Young: Family
A Shared Commitment to Faith
Faith plays a significant role in the Young family’s life. Both Kristin and Bryant have instilled strong spiritual values in Bryce, emphasizing the importance of humility and gratitude.
Their faith has been a cornerstone in navigating the highs and lows of Bryce’s football journey.
Despite Bryce’s rising stardom, Kristin and Bryant have prioritized creating a sense of normalcy for their family.
They’ve maintained a close-knit bond, ensuring that Bryce’s upbringing remains grounded in love and support rather than the pressures of fame.
A Reflection of His Parents’ Influence
Bryce Young’s early interest in football was nurtured by his parents. Kristin’s encouragement and Bryant’s expertise in the sport provided him with the perfect foundation.
From a young age, Bryce exhibited a passion for the game, a testament to the environment his parents cultivated.
Following in his parents’ footsteps, Bryce excelled not just in sports but also in academics.
Kristin’s emphasis on education and Bryant’s focus on discipline were instrumental in shaping Bryce’s balanced approach to life. His ability to succeed both on and off the field is a direct result of his parents’ guidance.
Throughout his career, Bryce has faced numerous challenges, including high expectations and intense competition.
The resilience instilled in him by Kristin and Bryant has helped him persevere. Their unwavering belief in his potential has been a constant source of motivation.
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