Bryce Young’s parents started him training with quarterback instructor Tim Arthurs when he was five years old, thus he has been preparing for the NFL for quite some time. Young received his first college offer in June of 2016 at the age of 14 from then-Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury. This was while he was a senior at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. After graduating from his previous high school, Young relocated to the prestigious Mater Dei, where he won back-to-back California state titles with the Monarchs in 2018 and 2019. He was named the California Gatorade Player of the Year, the High School Quarterback of the Year by the National Quarterback Club, the Maxwell Offensive Player of the Year, and a co-MaxPreps Player of the Year alongside fellow five-star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in his senior season.
Young topped the Top247 as the top recruit overall. He was courted by several top universities and had already committed to play for USC in his home state before hearing from Alabama head coach Nick Saban that he might earn $1 million through “Name, Image, and Likeness” arrangements.
Bryce Young is a different breed pic.twitter.com/V0oKLB0uj9 https://t.co/xeZ8ARsH0P
— Nick Perkins (@NPerkins96) April 15, 2023
The soon-to-be 22-year-old is one of the most decorated passers in Alabama’s history. He is first and fourth on their all-time lists for passing yards in a single game and a single season, respectively, and is second all-time for passing yards behind only A.J. McCarron. He was the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time National Champion (starter). Young’s family history shows that he was destined to become a professional quarterback.
Carolina Pick 1?
The team of Frank Reich moved up to the first overall pick to take the next great franchise quarterback. There are three main contenders for the starting quarterback position, but only Young and another player are truly ready to start in Week 1. Only twice in Reich’s history have his quarterbacks thrown for more than 60% of the snaps, but his schemes have generally been quarterback friendly with a propensity to bend toward the run when a great running back is present (Indianapolis’ 2021 season comes to mind). If Young signs with the Panthers, he may see a minor reduction in his average number of attempts. Another factor that might reduce production in 2023 is a mishmash of pass catchers.
Texan Bound?
Houston, like Carolina, is overhauling its coaching staff and offensive philosophy. Young’s versatility would appeal to play caller Bobby Slowik, who is familiar with the West Coast style and has worked with Kyle Shanahan. The Texans’ offensive line is solid, protecting Young and giving him time to pass downfield. While these are encouraging signs, the receiving group for Houston is not. Although Young’s experience with John Metchie will help, more dynamic wide receivers will be added after this season, and outside wideouts like Nico Collins and Robert Woods are fine stopgaps. Despite his potential, Young is not a popular Fantasy pick this season.