Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Desmond Young has answered plenty of phone calls in his young life, but none offered the kind of news he received from the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior linebacker recently got a call notifying him that he was named to the South roster for the 71st annual North/South All-Star football game.

“I was excited because my dad (Joe Young) told me all through my senior year I had a chance at playing in it, so when I got the call I was really excited,” said Young.

Many of the top players throughout the state will play in the game and that pool of talent brought even more excitement to Young.

“It means a lot to be chosen because it means I get to see a lot of players from around the state and see how I fit in with them,” said Young. “I already have an idea, but it gets me use to that game speed.”

The game will be played on Saturday, April 30, at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. The national signing day is Feb. 3 and Young said a lot of schools have shown interest but not all of them have made a formal offer.

While schools such as Louisville and Illinois have talked to Young, he plans to attend Savannah State unless a concrete offer is put on the table.

“I just want to get it out of the way, but if someone offers, I’ll consider taking it,” said Young.

Young is a four-year letterman and three-year starter at fullback and linebacker.

He was the Associated Press Southeast Ohio District Division V defensive Player of the Year last season and earned first team All-Ohio honors.

Young led Ironton in rushing and scoring last season with 805 yards on 151 attempts for a 5.3 yards per carry. He scored 15 touchdowns and scored 93 points as Ironton won the Ohio Valley Conference title and qualified for the postseason playoffs.

Young was a first team all-district player as a junior and special mention All-Ohio.