MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football safety Tré Young recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss when he got involved with football, what factored in his decision to come to South Alabama and what he likes doing away from football, among other things.

Young, a senior from Mobile, Ala., has been a member of the program since the 2019 season. This fall, Young has appeared in eight games for the Jag recording 15 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass break ups and a forced fumble. Prior to coming to South, Young was a two-year letterwinner at East Central [Miss.] CC. He also was a standout McGill-Toolen Catholic HS in Mobile, where he lettered three years while helping the Yellow Jackets go 26-2 overall his final two seasons.

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"When I was getting ready to graduate from junior college, I reached out to my high school coach for advice on where to go. He mentioned coming to South and I thought why not? I would be playing in my hometown and I knew players on the team like Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Thompson, as well as some guys that I played against in JUCO like Devin Rockette and Travis Reed along with some others. I felt that it would be a good fit for me."

What has it been like having the opportunity to play in front of your hometown?
"It means a lot to me. Many times when you come out of high school you want to go somewhere else that isn't close to where you're from. I feel that it's an honor for me though to be able to play in my hometown and play in front of younger kids that might look up to you and see what you're doing out on the field."

What do you like about playing the safety position?
"They say that the safety is the quarterback of the defense. I like being able to roam from sideline to sideline, and the freedom the position allows. I also like to get interceptions, of course."

What are some of the strengths that you bring to the defense?
"Coverage wise, I try to make sure no one gets behind me. When it's time to come down and make the tackle, I try to capitalize on that opportunity."

What type of leadership role have you assumed on the team and the defense?
"A lot of people say I'm a quiet leader. I don't try to be too vocal. I try to lead by example. I make sure I do my job."

How have you improved since last year?
"I feel that my eyes have improved as far as not getting caught looking into the backfield and focusing on what I need to do out on the field."

What does it mean for you and the rest of the senior class to be able to play your final home game against a rival like Troy?
"It's going to mean a lot to us. We're really looking forward to it. I'm glad it's going to be against Troy because that's our rival. I know we will be prepared to play against them."

What are some keys for the defense against the Trojan offense this weekend?
"We need to contain their passing game. We know they have some good receivers. If we are able to contain them, I feel that we will have a chance of being successful in the end."

When did you get involved with the game of football?
"I was three years old. Ever since I was a little kid, my dad always had a ball in my hand. He told me that I chose the sport because I liked hitting and that I was aggressive when I was a kid. The first time he saw me play football, he knew I was going to like it."

What other sports did you play growing up?  
"I ran track and played basketball and baseball."

If you could, what other sport would you choose to play at the college level?
"I would say baseball. I really wish I could have stuck with that sport, but I gave it up in middle school. I was really good and I enjoyed playing first base and in the outfield."

What do you like to do in your spare time away from the game of football?
"I like to work out and hang out with my teammates. I haven't been able to do it for a while, but I also like to go fishing. Me and my dad used to always do that when I was younger."

Do you like saltwater or freshwater fishing?
"Definitely saltwater."

Your given name is John Young III. When did you chose to be called Tré?
"I've had that name ever since I was a kid. They started calling me that in my family because I'm named after my dad and my granddad."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"I would say my mom. She has shown and taught me a lot. I've watched her struggle. We had a lot of ups and downs, but I've never seen her break or get mad. She's a strong woman. Everything I do, I do for her."

What's your major and what do you want to do after your football career is over?
"My major is sports management and I really want to get into coaching at either the high school or collegiate level. I feel that I might like to start out at the high school level first because I can help younger athletes along their path and show them what to do and what not to do, so that they can be successful at the college level."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the South Circle, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics.  Contributions to South Circle
directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/give

—USA—