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NAME POS HT WT RATING HOME SCHOOL Eyabi Anoma DE 6-5 225 ★★★★ Baltimore, Md. St. Frances Academy Solomon Enis WR 6-4 200 ★★★★ Phoenix, Ariz. North Canyon Justin Fields QB 6-3 220 ★★★★★ Kennesaw, Ga. Harrison Houston Griffith Saf. 6-1 192 ★★★★ Bradenton, Fla. IMG Academy Jayson Oweh DE 6-5 240 ★★★★ Blairstown, N.J. Blair Academy Micah Parsons DE 6-3 235 ★★★★★ Harrisburg, Pa. Harrisburg Kwantel Raines DB 6-3 190 ★★★★ Aliquippa, Pa. Aliquippa Tyreke Smith DE 6-4 250 ★★★★ Cleveland Heights, Ohio Cleveland Heights Rasheed Walker OL 6-5 265 ★★★★ Waldorf, Md. North Point * As of Sept. 17 2018 HOT LIST * from the Philadelphia Public League to win a state title, defeating Erie Cathedral Prep, 40-3. "He is used to being spotlighted and playing at the highest level," said Albie Crosby, Young's head coach at Imhotep his sophomore year and now the coach at Philadelphia's Neumann-Goretti High. Crosby said even at a young age, Young showed plenty of poise. "He had a very good IQ , -eld awareness and was always competitive," Crosby said. "He's a win- ner." Young said the loss in last year's PIAA championship game could be a learning experience for him and his teammates, who are expected to challenge for the state title again this season. "As far as the loss in the state champi- onship, it hurt. But losses happen and it's how you grow and learn from them [that matters]," Young said. "It was a taste I was not used to, and I do not plan on feel- ing that pain of a loss again." Imhotep has a new coach this year in Nick Lincoln, who was the head coach Penn Wood the previous three years and before that an assistant at Imhotep. He says one thing stands out about Young: "He is a physical dude, even without pads on. Even in seven-on-seven [drills], he had kids afraid to catch balls in the middle and he has that reputation as a hitter." It's a reputation that Young doesn't shy away from, but he says his game includes much more than just a willingness to de- liver a big hit. "The best part about my game is the passion I play with," he said, "and the covering and hitting skills I have." He also tries to emphasize a total team e.ort on every play. "I believe in involving everyone on my team and bringing the best out of everyone," he said. Lincoln says Young's coverage skills have improved so much that a position change could be in store this high school season. "We have put him at corner. Penn State will probably put him in the box at nickel," Lincoln said. "He's improved his one-on-one covering, is stepping up his game and is really a smart football player." Lincoln said Young's versatility will be a major asset, noting that while he's built like a safety, he could -t in elsewhere if needed. "He is physical and somebody you want [to defend] the run game," Lin- coln said, "but he could play corner if needed." In previous years, Young tended to exert a more subdued form of leadership, but that could change now that he's a senior. "He's not a real vocal kid but somebody who has led by example," Lin- coln said. "He's always been a kid the others look up to, and now he's forced into a senior leadership role and it will be good for him." And for the team. Young exudes a quiet con-dence, and despite all the talent that Penn State has amassed in its recent re- cruiting classes, his goal is to make an im- mediate contribution. "I believe I can come in and contribute on special teams and at the safety posi- tion," he said. "I'm very humbled and ready to face any challenge I will meet at Penn State." ■

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