Craig and Julie Young raised more than a top quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft.
They developed a respectful, well-spoken, conscientious young man who is not afraid to speak out for his peers and anyone else that requires a voice. He went to the University of Alabama, but Bryce Young highlighted his friend — C.J. Stroud — on a recent episode of The Pivot. Both guys are California natives that competed in several camps in high school, including the Elite 11.
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Both went on to have successful college careers and either one could be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Brady Quinn, a former Notre Dame quarterback, sent social media into a frenzy on Wednesday. As a voice in college football, Quinn said Stroud committed to the Manning Passing Academy, but the night before he left and did not show up.
Report: CJ Stroud made a commitment to the Manning Passing Academy but “the night before he ghosted them and didn’t show up”, per @Brady_Quinn
“When you do that, that’s gonna set up alarms for people.”
Quinn noted that as one of three concerns with Stroud (h/t @PanthersAnalyst) pic.twitter.com/z2Y9gAPbFe
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 19, 2023
Quinn said he was told that’s what happened with Stroud, but several other media personalities — including Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III — have fired off at Quinn. As Quinn provided a reason why Stroud could fall in the draft, Young had an opportunity to speak highly of his friend and his character, and the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner did it justly.
His words about Stroud touched everyone on The Pivot and all who listened.
CJ Stroud poise & leadership @_bryce_young at the @Elite11. Young is was not surprised that @CJ7STROUD’s intangibles made him extremely successful at @OhioStateFB.
Looks like @Panthers & @HoustonTexans can draft their Franchise QB! @thepivot https://t.co/i9jFLnR9SO pic.twitter.com/yQlWvssWYR— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) April 19, 2023
“I was able to watch how C.J. was in the Elite 11,” Young said. “That was a big moment. Everyone is trying to be the MVP, everyone is trying to win 7-on-7 tournaments, and it was just big at the time. Seeing how he carried himself at that time, seeing how every time there was a big moment he stepped up, watching that in high school … I have watched him play before, but seeing that in those high-pressure situations and seeing how he carried himself, that was something that stood out to me.”
Young praised Stroud’s accuracy, decision-making, and processing skills as a quarterback, but he loves the way Stoud carries himself around his teammates and how he plays the game. The fact that Young unselfishly talks up Stroud, we could see the Houston Texans take the Ohio State alum at No. 2 overall. Young wants to see his friend become successful at the next level.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
