Photo by: Gabby Ricciardi
Avery Young: Leadership, Production & Experience
Sep 15 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The most experienced member of the defense with 47 games played, Avery Young has seen it all as a defensive back for the Scarlet Knights. Playing both cornerback and safety, he has totaled 247 tackles with 22 passes defended and four forced fumbles. Young's leadership has been just as valuable, if not more, to Rutgers football.
"Avery is as experienced a player as maybe anyone in the country," said head coach Greg Schiano. "He's got over 3,000 snaps as a Rutgers player. I was grateful when he decided to come back for his last year. He's a tremendous person that represents our program the way that we want it to be represented."
Voted a captain prior to the season opener, Young takes that role seriously.
"I've grown more than anything as a leader," he said. "That's something I've prided myself on. It's special to me to be able to rally the younger guys every day. I want to get them ready as much as I can. I was in their shoes before."
From Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Young comes from a football family. His father, Anthony, played at Temple, earned a spot in the school's hall of fame and was drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts in 1985. Anthony passed along his love of the sport to his three sons. Jordan, the oldest, was a four-year starter at linebacker at Old Dominion and set the school record for career tackles (350) before earning an undrafted free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Avery is in his final season "On the Banks," while Aaron, the youngest, is on the offensive side of the ball for the Scarlet Knights and led the team in touchdowns scored last season.
Getting to play college football together is something Avery and Aaron have cherished.
"Playing with Aaron is amazing," Avery said. "He's my rock. We work hand-in-hand. When he's hot, I'm hot. It's always been like that, and nothing's changed now they we are in college. We're both looking to have big years."
Helping Coatesville to a 13-2 record as a senior and being ranked the No. 1 cornerback in Pennsylvania by Penn Preps, Young earned a starting spot for the Scarlet Knights in week two as a true freshman. He continued in that starting role at the position through 2020, where he garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Heading into 2021, the coaching staff decided to move Young to safety, a move he embraced to help the team and make him even more versatile in looking to achieve future goals at the next level. He has also been a contributor on special teams on the return units.
"My focus is to have the best season I can and, Lord-willing, put myself in position to be a high-targeted player for the NFL Draft," he said.
Young finished second on the team with 81 tackles last season and was named All-ECAC as one of the top players in the region. Using the experience gained both on the field and as a leader, he is looking to build from that as the Scarlet Knights head to his home state this weekend as one of 13 Pennsylvania natives on the roster.
"We want to see growth in all aspects, offense, defense and special teams," he said. "We have built up a lot over the last couple seasons and we're ready to take the next step.
"Thinking back on it, I remember the struggles, trials and tribulations we went through. And now being here for a fifth year, it's a blessing."
Follow Rutgers football on Twitter (@RFootball & @RutgersFBfans), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
"Avery is as experienced a player as maybe anyone in the country," said head coach Greg Schiano. "He's got over 3,000 snaps as a Rutgers player. I was grateful when he decided to come back for his last year. He's a tremendous person that represents our program the way that we want it to be represented."
Voted a captain prior to the season opener, Young takes that role seriously.
"I've grown more than anything as a leader," he said. "That's something I've prided myself on. It's special to me to be able to rally the younger guys every day. I want to get them ready as much as I can. I was in their shoes before."
From Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Young comes from a football family. His father, Anthony, played at Temple, earned a spot in the school's hall of fame and was drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts in 1985. Anthony passed along his love of the sport to his three sons. Jordan, the oldest, was a four-year starter at linebacker at Old Dominion and set the school record for career tackles (350) before earning an undrafted free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Avery is in his final season "On the Banks," while Aaron, the youngest, is on the offensive side of the ball for the Scarlet Knights and led the team in touchdowns scored last season.
Getting to play college football together is something Avery and Aaron have cherished.
"Playing with Aaron is amazing," Avery said. "He's my rock. We work hand-in-hand. When he's hot, I'm hot. It's always been like that, and nothing's changed now they we are in college. We're both looking to have big years."
Helping Coatesville to a 13-2 record as a senior and being ranked the No. 1 cornerback in Pennsylvania by Penn Preps, Young earned a starting spot for the Scarlet Knights in week two as a true freshman. He continued in that starting role at the position through 2020, where he garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Heading into 2021, the coaching staff decided to move Young to safety, a move he embraced to help the team and make him even more versatile in looking to achieve future goals at the next level. He has also been a contributor on special teams on the return units.
"My focus is to have the best season I can and, Lord-willing, put myself in position to be a high-targeted player for the NFL Draft," he said.
Young finished second on the team with 81 tackles last season and was named All-ECAC as one of the top players in the region. Using the experience gained both on the field and as a leader, he is looking to build from that as the Scarlet Knights head to his home state this weekend as one of 13 Pennsylvania natives on the roster.
"We want to see growth in all aspects, offense, defense and special teams," he said. "We have built up a lot over the last couple seasons and we're ready to take the next step.
"Thinking back on it, I remember the struggles, trials and tribulations we went through. And now being here for a fifth year, it's a blessing."
Follow Rutgers football on Twitter (@RFootball & @RutgersFBfans), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballTight Ends Coach Scott Vallone - 04/02/26
Thursday, April 02
Defensive Coordinator Travis Johansen - 03/31/26
Tuesday, March 31
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Kirk Ciarrocca - 03/28/26
Saturday, March 28
Head Coach Greg Schiano Spring Press Conference - 03/27/26
Friday, March 27
