2010 Spartan Nation Football Profile: D.J. Young (DJY) LT #59

 Expectation: Starting LT  Height:  6’5”  Weight: 319#  2010 Eligibility: Fifth year senior  EXP: 1 letter  Status: solid

 

D.J. Young may terrorize Big Ten defensive lineman, but a caring and considerate gentleman off of it. Photo courtesy of the MSU SID

Expectation:Â Starting LT

 

Height:  6’5”

 

Weight:Â 319#

 

2010 Eligibility: Fifth year senior 

 

EXP:Â 1 letter

 

Status:Â solid starter

 

Strengths: Young was the surprise gem of 2010. By the middle of the season he was the best offensive tackle on the team and with each rep he simply improved and got better. He now moves to the all-critical left side where he will be entrusted to Kirk Cousins blind side and he will do just fine.

 

Against Purdue in the second quarter with 5:39 on the clock the Spartans had the ball for a first and ten at their own 30. He has a monster block with great pad level that went for a 20-yard gain. His size combined with good technique makes it virtually impossible for DL to get around him.

 

Weakness: In the Alamo Bowl in the first quarter the Spartans had a third and four with 11:53 left in the half at the Red Raiders 32. It was a three WR set for MSU and the MLB showed blitz. He (MLB) moved in right behind the NG. DJY had the DE as his assignment on the play. Because of the MLB moving up, he hesitated not wanting him to go unblocked and his man, the DE, got to Cousins and Kirk threw a critical interception.

 

Plays like that are about youth more than inability. It was disappointing, but Texas Tech knew he was a first year starter and they came at him with what appeared to be blitz packages to confuse him. He won’t be confused. He has watched a lot of film and worked hard in the off-season.

 

Final Analysis: Young is another in a long line of fine young man. Off of the football field, I can’t recall not seeing him flash his million-dollar smile. He is one of the first to sign autographs for kids and he truly appreciates the opportunity to be a Spartan. Make no mistake that nothing was given to Young. He earned it, and frankly, I love to see young people with his character and work ethic do well. He is a quality human being, not just a quality football player.

 

Next up:Â Kevin Pickelman DT