Andre Young (American football) explained

Andre Young
Number:49
Position:Defensive back
Birth Date:22 November 1960
Birth Place:West Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lb:199
High School:West Monroe (LA)
College:Louisiana Tech
Draftyear:1982
Draftround:10
Draftpick:273
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Interceptions
Statvalue1:6
Statlabel2:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue2:4
Statlabel3:Touchdowns
Statvalue3:1
Pfr:YounAn20

Andre Benoise Young (born November 22, 1960) is a former professional American football player who played defensive back for two seasons for the San Diego Chargers[1]

Early life

While in middle school, Young played as a quarterback.[2] He attended West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana, where he played offensive tackle and some tight end on the football team.[2]

College career

As a freshman at Louisiana Tech, Young played weakside linebacker.[2] He earned first-team all-Southland Conference honors as a sophomore in 1979 at defensive end.[3] [4] Young was moved to middle linebacker the following season and again earned a first-team all-conference selection.[3] [5] He changed positions once again as a senior; he was converted to a defensive back.[3]

Professional career

Young was selected in the tenth round (273rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1982 NFL draft.[3] He started the preseason as the fifth-string strong safety.[3] In an exhibition against the Dallas Cowboys, Young recorded four tackles, three assists, an interception, and a touchdown-saving pass deflection in two quarters of playing time.[3] He earned a spot on the Chargers' final roster.[6] In his NFL debut, Young forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted a pass from Craig Morton in their season-opening win over the Denver Broncos, with the Los Angeles Times saying that "there couldn't have been a more unlikely defensive star."[7]

On October 9, 1983, Young picked off Jim Zorn and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to help the Chargers beat the Seattle Seahawks 28–21.[8] It was both his first touchdown as a pro, and his first since high school.[8] In the 1984 season opener, Young recorded two interceptions to help the Chargers defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 42–13.[9] He was waived by the Chargers on July 9, 1985.[10]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/YounAn20.htm Andre Young NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com
  2. News: San Diego's Strong Safety Makes His First Pro Journey to End Zone (II). Los Angeles Times. Dave. Distel. October 10, 1983. August 24, 2023. S12. Newspapers.com.
  3. News: Who's this Young man in San Diego's lineup?. Shreveport Journal. John James. Marshall. August 23, 1982. August 24, 2023. 1C. Newspapers.com.
  4. News: Southland Announces All-League Choices. The Daily Advertiser. December 2, 1979. August 24, 2023. 70. Newspapers.com.
  5. News: On All-SLC Squad: Four Cagers Selected. The Daily Advertiser. November 30, 1980. August 24, 2023. 72. Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Bennett cut by Bengals. Shreveport Journal. September 8, 1982. August 24, 2023. 3C. Newspapers.com.
  7. News: Here's a Big Switch: Chargers' Defense Crushes Broncos. Los Angeles Times. Chris. Cobbs. September 12, 1982. August 24, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  8. News: San Diego's Strong Safety Makes His First Pro Journey to End Zone (I). Los Angeles Times. Dave. Distel. October 10, 1983. August 24, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  9. News: Marine Tactics Can't Stop Chargers, 42-13 (II). Los Angeles Times. Chris. Cobbs. September 3, 1984. August 24, 2023. S10. Newspapers.com.
  10. News: Chargers waive goodbye to veterans. Escondido Times-Advocate. Jay. Posner. July 10, 1985. August 24, 2023. D1. Newspapers.com.