After a 56-20 win over Chamblee last week, Woodward Academy is 3-2 on the year and well on its way to another deep playoff run. The schedule has been tough this season, with programs like Collins Hill, Carrollton, and Marist on the docket, but an experienced group of seniors has helped buoy the ship during rough times.
In last week’s game against Chamblee, it was SR Zaydn Young who made one of the best plays of the season. Lining up at a deep safety role, Young followed the QB as he rolled out right. A receiver moved down the seam, and Young anticipated the pass, getting over the top of the receiver and high-pointing the pass. The ball tipped, bounced, and as Young came to the ground, he managed to snare the football with his left hand, completing the best play of Week 6.
We talked with the senior defensive back about the start of the season and what he has planned for the 2nd half of the schedule.
“Honestly, the start of my senior year hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been strong and productive. I’ve been locked in on both sides of the ball. Offensively, I have 8 receptions for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, I’ve recorded 4 solo tackles, 5 total, plus an interception and a pass deflection. My goal moving forward is to keep making game-changing plays and help lead my team to an undefeated run in our region. After that, I want to push for a state title, just like we did back in my sophomore year,” Young said.
While Young has taken steps to improve from last season, he credits a lot of that progression to his football IQ and improved technique.
“This season, I’ve really leveled up my aggressiveness, tightened my defensive technique, and sharpened my spatial awareness. Those improvements have made a big difference in how I read plays and react on the field,” he said.
That was certainly the case for last week’s incredible interception. Young did a great job of reacting to the play and anticipating where the football would go. The 5’10” athlete is a versatile player who shows excellent body control while reacting to the football, which you see several highlight reel caliber catches on offense, where he adeptly reads the pass midair and adjusts.
On the recruiting front, Young quickly broke down where the college interest currently lies.
“I’ve heard from East Tennessee State, Berry College, and Tufts University. I don’t have any visits lined up yet for the fall, but I’m staying ready.” He continued to talk about where he stands out, “I know I can bring a strong work ethic, leadership, followership, and loyalty to any college program I’m part of. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
In the immediate future, the 2nd half of the season lies ahead, and that should yield some more exciting highlights plus recruiting news, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest on Young and athletes across the state of Georgia.
