Arizona Wildcats Commitment Interview with 2017 DB Scott Young
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Wildcats have put together a Top 10 recruiting class thus far (Rivals No. 9) adding talented player after talented player. On Wednesday, the Wildcats added athletic prospect No. 16 in California defensive back Scott Young.
Young was a two-way playmaker for Helix High School in 2015 coming up with 30 receptions for 392 yards with two scores and helped on special teams returning two kickoffs back for 50 yards. Where most schools saw Young’s athletic abilities playing out on the collegiate level was on defense. The Highlanders lined Young up at free safety turning him loose for 34 tackles, four picks covering 112 return yards, three passes broken up, and scooped up two fumbles.
The 6’0”, 192 pound, recruit shoot up recruiting boards throughout the spring with 12 different schools seeking his game in 2017. Among the many included Colorado State, Army, UNLV, San Jose State, Nevada, Citadel, Colorado, Hawaii, Washington State, Navy, and San Diego State.
Young essentially ended his recruitment posting his Arizona commitment statement on Twitter:
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, we got the inside scoop behind Young’s commitment in a one-on-one overview on how Arizona took this California product off the market.
Interview
Scottie, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona.
“Thank you.”
A weight has been lifted.
“Yes it has.”
So what prompted you to commit to the Wildcats on Wednesday?
“I looked at my list and narrowed it down to Arizona and San Diego state. I got to know both of the coaching staffs really well. I was thinking about it more and more, and Arizona was where I wanted to be. I’ve liked Arizona since I started high school and wanted to be at Arizona. It ended up happening.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I went to Arizona’s camp yesterday (Wednesday) and talked to Coach Donte (Williams) about committing. I told him I’d hit him up to let him know what was going to happen. At 9:30, I texted him. At first he did not believe me. I got on the phone with Rich Rod (head coach Rich Rodriguez) to make it official.”
How did the coaches react when you official committed?
“I talked to Coach Donte first, then Coach Rod (Smith – co-offensive coordinator), and then Coach Rich Rod. Coach Donte was shocked. I’ve known Coach Donte since he was at San Jose State. I could tell he was really excited.”
How did you feel at that moment when you shared this big decision with Coach Donte?
“Right before I committed, my dad and I talked for an hour and half. I told him Arizona was where I wanted to go. Everything went from there. I was not nervous but I was more excited then I felt relief. I’m one step closer to my dreams.”
Which position are they recruiting you to play?
“Defensive back and nickel corner.”
The Arizona camp obviously went well. What all did you do at the camp? How did it go from a performance standpoint?
“It went well. The coaches just wanted to see me in person and see me compete. I did not do too much. I talked to all the coaches more.”
Are you going to recruit other players to join you at Arizona?
“Yeah, I have some friends in LA that I want to get.”
Can you name names?
“Joseph Lewis (Hawkins wide receiver), Elijah Blades (Pasadena defensive back), and Rhedi Short (Cathedral defensive back).”
That’s a good group of guys. Are you going to any other camps this summer or going to Arizona’s campus for an unofficial visit?
“That was my last camp. I don’t think I’ll make it to Arizona this summer. I have no plans to take unofficial visits. I’m going to let it play out see what happens. Arizona – that would be my only visit.”
How is all of your offseason work going?
“I’m working on enjoying everything. The year is going by fast and will be over soon. I’m bonding with my teammates getting ready to win state this year.”
Scottie, thanks for your time today and congratulations on your commitment to Arizona.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: youtube.com; Scottie Young at a camp.
Photo credit: utpreps.com; No. 19 Scottie Young breaks free.