Weekly Series: 3-Star 2019 LB Kendall Young Previews Southside Game with Big Recruiting Update
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kendall Young Profile
Height and Weight: 6-5, 215
Position: Linebacker
Classification: 2019
Recruiting Ranking: 3-Star
High School: Bentonville West – Bentonville, Arkansas – 7A West
2018 Wolverines Record: 0-1
2018 Stats (1 game): 12 tackles, seven solo
2017 Wolverines Record: 9-3
2017 Stats (10 games): 85 tackles, 55 solo, 17 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, one interception, five passes defended, and one forced fumble
Announced Top 3 Schools: Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Missouri – on July 30
Offers (13): Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, Southeast Missouri, Army, Texas State, Tulane, Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas State
Interest: Arizona State, Oregon State, Baylor
Unofficial Visits Taken: Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt (camp), and Memphis
Planned Official Visits: Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Missouri (no order)
This is the second interview of a weekly series with the three-star linebacker that will run throughout the season. I sat down with Young covering the opener against Owasso (OK) with a preview of the Fort Smith Southside contest.
*Click link for Week 1 RNG game preview with Kendall Young
Interview
Kendall, the Wolverines had a very tough opening game against Owasso. You guys were in control of the game until the fourth quarter. What happened in the fourth that will serve as a learning lesson for the team going forward making you guys even better?
“Our starting quarterback went down middle of the third quarter. We were up, and should have done better on defense to win the game; it is not an excuse, but it hurt us when our quarterback went down. We threw two pick-sixes… Our defense has to stay strong no matter what. We could have won that game. We had some conditioning issues with some guys cramping up. Regardless, I think we will be alright this season.”
You had a heck of a game with 12 tackles, seven solo. What were some of the highlights of the game for your personally?
“I could have played a lot better. I am tough on myself. I missed two vital tackles, two easy tackles that I should have had.”
What were some of the things you feel you did well?
“I think I played well against the run and I did better against the pass – I had better pass drops.”
If there was one, what was the biggest challenge for you playing against Owasso and how will that challenge, facing that adversity, make you a better player in the long run?
“The biggest challenge was their o-line. They were one of the best we have played. Watching their film, they did not look that good. In the game, they were really strong and better than I thought. That gave me the motivation to get stronger and not sleep on anyone ever again.”
You guys get Fort Smith Southside on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from the Mavericks’ offense?
“I am expecting them to run their QB a lot. He is good. I expect them to run a lot. They like to run with their quarterback, we will be cautious with him.”
What kind of challenge, or what kind of game, are you expecting to have against the Mavericks?
“This game, I am expecting to be all around the field. I am playing some inside linebacker, some at defensive end – strongside and weakside, and I am playing at outside linebacker. I will be all over the field. I will turn it up for the home opener.”
You guys open in your new stadium, what will that be like?
“The first time in our new stadium, it will be ready to go on Friday. The first time in our new stadium, it will be wild.”
What will the home crowd be like for the season opener?
“I think we will have a big crowd. My dad is flying in from Atlanta along with some of my other family. My mom just got back from successful cancer surgery (colon), she’ll be at the game on Friday.”
That will be awesome for you. I can’t let you go without a quick recruiting update. Any new recruiting interests?
“Yes. A few more teams are contacting but the same three (Arkansas, Missouri, and Vanderbilt) are still the main ones. I have game invites from all three. I plan on going to the U-of-A (Arkansas) opener verses Eastern Illinois to see what they are doing. I am approaching a commitment date soon.”
Interesting. We will be waiting to hear new news on your commitment. You mentioned new interest, which school has contacted you?
“Ole Miss contacted me since we last spoke.”
Nice. You live not too far from the Arkansas campus, with the visit this weekend, what are you seeking to learn and/or see during your visit?
“I want to see what the game day atmosphere is like. I want to see how the coaches are responding to adversity, I doubt they will have any against Eastern Illinois, but still. I want to see how the fans respond to the players and the game. I want to experience how it feels to be a Razorback.”
Kendall, good luck on Friday against Southside and have fun at Arkansas for the Eastern Illinois game.
“Thank you.”
2018 Bentonville West Schedule
Week 1 – at Owasso (56-40 loss)
Week 1 stats – 12 tackles, seven solo
Week 2 – vs. Fort Smith Southside
Week 3 – vs. Bryant
Week 4 – bye
Week 5 – at Fayetteville
Week 6 – vs. Springdale
Week 7 – vs. Rogers
Week 8 – at Har-Ber (Springdale)
Week 9 – at Rogers Heritage
Week 10 – vs. Van Buren
Week 11 – at Bentonville
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Photo credit: Bentonville West HS; No. 24 Kendall Young in pursuit vs. Owasso