Alabama 5-star quarterback commit, Bryce Young, lit up the stat sheet on the national stage once again as he helped power Mater Dei High School to a 38-24 win over St John’s Bosco, where he was 19-of-32 for three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores, showcasing his development as a passer and a true athlete.
Young’s development as a quarterback has been at work for quite some time now. Through elementary school, Young was a dual-sport athlete, who played travel basketball and football. In the sixth grade, Young’s father, Craig Young, decided to put Young in a position to start his development as a quarterback and that meant pairing him with quarterback coach, Danny Hernandez, who went on to be Young’s quarterback coach at Cathedral High School during his freshman and sophomore year.
“At the time, he was extremely athletic, just an undersized guy,” Hernandez said. “We were working on mechanics, trying to build off of the stuff he was already really good at. He was a phenomenal basketball player, did not play in high school, he played on different travel teams, so his movements are very basketball like. I think he has a unique playing style and it translates over from his basketball skills.”
The California product has grown from a young and raw talent to the top dual-threat quarterback in the nation. Young has racked up 2,837 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns while throwing three interceptions on the season. Hernandez said he has seen continuous growth from the 5-Star recruit.
“His spacial awareness is next level, I think it is better than anybody I have ever seen,” Hernandez added. “I think he has been able to understand when he has to run and when he has to pass. Now, he is really trying to beat you with the pass, extend plays, create space and try to get the ball out to other athletes. Another thing he has done really well is understand protections. He is the kind of kid, you have to constantly give new information to because he is so sharp and he thrives off that new information.”
Alabama’s potential quarterback situation has gotten quite interesting with Young’s verbal commitment. His potential has some feeling, he could come in and possibly play early for Alabama. The Tide’s offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, and Nick Saban have undoubtedly expressed to Young, he will have the opportunity as he plans to be an early enrollee.
Sarkisian played a huge role in Alabama landing Bryce Young with their long relationship. According to Hernandez, Sarkisian should really help Young when he get s to the next level with his Southern California background.
“Sark is an amazing coach,” Young said. “I think it is a great balance with him being there. With him there, Young has somewhat of a security blanket to say this is where some things are different in the south and young is going to be able to embrace them because they are going to help him get better.”
It will not be long before Alabama has Young on campus since he plans to enroll in January and if he leaves up to the hype, things are going to get very interesting inside Alabama’s quarterback room on next season.
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
