Name: James Young II
School: McKendree
Position: DB
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 185
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
Be a leader on the defense, making sure everybody around me got better mentally and physically on the field. Considered myself one of the best defensive backs in the conference.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
Fast, quick, confident player, and student of the game. Whenever I face adversity, I make sure I overcome it, no matter what it takes.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
WR tendencies, what are their favorite routes, what time of splits do they have to run certain routes. Whats their favorite personnel, what’s their favorite runs/pass. I try to decipher the offense.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I would say my confidence, I know for a fact whoever lines up against me isn’t better than me. I take pride in shutting down any offense that tries to run plays on me. I just have that type of swag about me.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I lift weights twice a day, I make sure I get my training in with my with my trainer Coach Lacey, constantly working on defensive back drills and getting stronger, bigger, and faster at my position. He’s one of the greatest trainers in the south suburbs of Illinois, so I know he’s going to get me right. I also got a senior bowl coming up and an NFL regional combine.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The type of speed I have can keep up with any WR I will go against, how aggressive I will be when it comes to the run game, and the mental side by how I will stay in the playbook making sure I know the plays, studying film so I can slow the game down to help me and my team play better.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
If you get a guy like me, you’re getting a playmaking, confident, and fast defensive back who knows for a fact he’s better than any person that thinks they are in competition with him. I believe in my skills and know I can be the best! I’m confident, not cocky.
