Young wins All-Star MVP
Houston Madison quarterback Vincent Young put in a sterling performance in the second annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl that was held in San Antonio on Saturday.
Young was named the game's Most Valuable Player for his efforts.
Advertisement
Young accounted for 171 yards of total offense, more than any other player in the game, and led his West team on three scoring drives and a 26-6 victory.
"I wanted to go out and compete against the best," Young said. "It was my last game and I think we all wanted to go out winning it and competing against other great players."
Consider the 6-foot-5, 200-pound righthander's mission accomplished.
With his last high school game now behind him, the question turns to which college he will take his high-wire act to next season.
"I couldn't say right now," Young said of a college decision. "I've got a visit to Texas, then to Miami, Southern Miss and Arkansas."
"I just need to see how all it's going to play out."
Young mentioned a couple of factors that would help him make his decision.
"I want to go to a place that's going to help me get to the league as a quarterback," Young said. "That's a big goal of mine.
"I also would like my mom and my uncle and everybody see me play. They're very important to me in my life."
Young, the nation's No. 1 player by Rivals100.com, said he had no timetable for a decision. His combination of composure, accuracy, arm strength and athleticism is tough to match.
Ironically, the two plays that may be most indicative of Young's immense abilities actually did not help the West win the game, although Young did lead the team on three touchdown drives.
The first play was a fake punt by the West squad.
With Young assuming the punter's role, West coach Larry Hill called a fake. When Young began to run, the East squad recognized the fake and Young lofted a perfect pass to Eric McNeal of the West.
The pass fell off of McNeal's hands, but it was a perfect decision and pass by Young under difficult circumstances.
The second play displayed more of Young's all-around ability as a quarterback.
Facing a second and ten at his own 30 yard line, Young dropped back to pass and U.S.A. Today defensive player of the year Ahmad Brooks was barrelling down on him.
Young made a quick reverse pivot, avoiding a sack by Brooks, then squared himself and threw a bomb 60 yards in the air and hit the West's Tyler Littlehaus, who had posted up downfield, in the chest with the ball.
While Littlehaus was unable to come down with the ball, the play by Young was one that few others could make.
No, Young's not a perfect product just yet, just like every other high school blue chip prospect who is about to be headed off to college.
But Young's MVP performace proves that he can be an overwhelming player, perhaps the nation's best, in a game chock full of other All-Stars.