From Silent Strength To Star
November 17, 2022 | Football, Joel Coleman
Cameron Young earns Reese’s Senior Bowl invite after developing into a defensive force.
STARKVILLE – It was a little over a week ago as Mississippi State football practice was wrapping up when Cameron Young was given the news. The defensive lineman had been invited to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl this coming February.
A celebration ensued as Young's teammates learned and offered congratulations for the honor.
"It was really big," Young said. "It just shows the love those guys have for me, and it just makes me happy to see everybody happy for me. And it's an honor for real."
An honor indeed, and a well-deserved one. Young has earned every bit of this chance to play alongside some of the best in the game while showcasing his talents in front of decision-makers from all 32 NFL teams.
This is a young man who has quietly become a Mississippi State defensive centerpiece. He might not be the flashiest guy. He might not get as many headlines as others. Yet, you better believe Young will always get the job done.
"He's such a steady presence," defensive line coach Jeff Phelps said of Young. "He's kind of like the adhesive that keeps everything together. I joke around and say he's the elder of the program. He comes to work every day. He's tough as nails. He loves the game of football. He loves Mississippi State. He loves being around his teammates. Everything you want out of a young man, he's got."
Phelps also adds: "He's got a strong voice when he leads the team."
Maybe more than anything else, that's one of the biggest evolutions to Young's game over his seasons in Starkville. Now, it bears noting, he's always been pretty exuberant while on the gridiron.
"Once I'm on the field, that's really my alter ego playing football," Young said. "I'm kind of laid back, but once I'm on the field, I'm an outspoken person and really emotional. I let my emotions go and have a chip on my shoulder."
However, off the field in the early days of his MSU career, Young was somewhat quiet. Not anymore. As he's blossomed into a State star, Young has embraced the chance to take on a louder leadership role when necessary.
"I've always been an actions over words kind of guy, but coming into these last couple of years, I've had to be more vocal whether it was with the defensive line or the defensive group as a whole," Young said. "I've been able to do that and just rolled with the punches."
He's become an all-around player. After totaling more tackles than any other MSU defensive lineman a year ago, Young is again setting the pace for his position group in 2022. Plus, beyond anything statistics could measure, Young is setting a standard with how he goes about his business.
"He's going to put good tape out in everything he does, and he's going to be consistent," Phelps said of Young. "He doesn't get on the emotional rollercoaster where he has highs and lows. He's just even-keeled all the way through."
Young has become a special player in just about every way and he's one MSU is proud to have representing the school at the Senior Bowl. Those feelings are certainly mutual.
"I think everything I do from here on out in life, I'm going to represent Mississippi State as best I can on and off the field," Young said. "I think it'll always be home for me. This place has always embraced me. I'll always appreciate this place."
