Jonsean Young, a junior running back, found unexpected benefits from staying off the field due to an injury. A knee injury during summer training delayed his season’s start. This period away from the field proved advantageous for Young’s performance when he returned.
Young expressed his eagerness to play again, saying, “I realized how much I missed everything and wanted to be back. I never fold under pressure. This is a game I love and have been doing ever since I was little. I just keep going.” His return was marked by impressive plays on Saturday afternoon.
Young executed a crucial 32-yard run, leading to his own go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. His contribution helped the Mustangs secure a 20-6 win against Simeon in the Public League Red Star game at Rockne Stadium, Chicago.
Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. also played a key role. He connected with senior wide receiver Travezz Jones for a 54-yard touchdown pass, contributing to Morgan Park’s fifth consecutive victory.
Young’s 1-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter broke a 6-6 tie. According to junior defensive end Milen Porter, who achieved two sacks and seven tackles, Young’s contribution was essential. Porter remarked, “We needed that so badly. He’s a tough guy who has played through an injury the whole season. He’s physical and he runs really hard. I applaud him.”
Earlier in the game, junior running back William Smith Jr. scored a 64-yard touchdown on the second play. Smith noted that Young’s time off amplified his resolve, stating, “As soon as he came back, he had a hungry mentality. He goes very hard every single play. Off the field he’s quiet, a great student, a funny guy who’s great to be around.”
This game marked Young’s third appearance back, and in that brief period, he has scored four touchdowns. He only played the second half against Simeon, finishing with an impressive 61 yards on seven carries. Young commented, “The coaches have been careful about my playing time and working me back, but I was fresh when I got in there. We needed a first down and the coaches put me in. I took that as an opportunity to run the ball, and I ran hard.”
While he admits to being about 95% healthy, Young showcases excellent burst, cutback ability, and readiness to embrace physical challenges between the tackles. He has been on the varsity team since his freshman year, building a reputation as a resilient runner.
Maintaining a family tradition, Young’s cousin Bucky Irving plays running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Young spoke of his football lineage, saying, “Football just goes back generations beyond generations in my family, with my dad, my uncles, and now Bucky. I’ve watched Bucky ever since I was little, and he’s a big influence.” Young aspires to pursue football professionally, inspired by his cousin’s career.
Young showed passion for football as a child, often playing with any football found around the house. He also engages in entrepreneurship, particularly designing shirts and clothes, a pursuit he took up approximately three years ago, inspired by his brothers.
Looking ahead, Young hopes to advance to college football. He expressed enthusiasm for his current journey, remarking, “I want to play in college and make something happen. It feels great to be back. There’s so much satisfaction running the ball and playing the game. You take your anger out.”
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