Louisiana Football: Interview with 2021 Airline RB Rovelle Young Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
RNG on Facebook
Airline had one the best season’s in school history in 2019 as the Vikings finished 10-3 and reached the 5A state quarterfinals. With plenty of talent returning in 2020, Airline is poised to make another deep postseason run. One of these superstars who are coming back for their senior season is running back Rovelle Young Jr.
The 5’11”, 205-pound, power-back ran for 631 yards on 111 carries and 12 touchdowns during his junior campaign. After the season, he was named first team All-District. Young shows tremendous physicality and toughness while running through defenders. He also has great strength and footwork to keep his legs moving while avoiding tackles.
The class of 2021 recruit currently has two college offers and is also drawing interest from Air Force. Not only does Young star on the gridiron but also on the track team and currently holds a 3.7 GPA in the classroom.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with the star Airline running back to talk about his successful junior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Rovelle, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We had an amazing year. In 2018 we were 3-7, last year we won 10 games and reached the quarterfinals, but we fell short of our goal…. a state championship.”
How would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I’ll give myself a B, because I didn’t play my sophomore year and I had to make the necessary adjustments throughout the season.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I’m a very physical player; I’d rather go through you than around you. The way I run, I am a physical back who absorbs contact and fights for every possible inch. I have a powerful lower half, constantly keep my legs moving to break arm tackles. And I love studying the game. I watch a lot of my opponents’ film.”
What was your most memorable moment last season?
“We played East St. John in the second round of playoffs and I scored four touchdowns.”
Did you receive any individual honors last year?
“First team All-District running back.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“I had a high ankle sprain the fourth game of the year and had to miss the next three games.”
How did you overcome this challenge?
“I was able to cheer my team on from the sideline. I also worked very hard rehabbing my ankle to get back on the field!”
What is your practice schedule during the offseason?
“During the quarantine, my dad turned one of our garages into a weight room. I am able to lift weights continually. I also run and do different cone drills every day.”
What are you working on most to improve your game?
“Catching the ball out the backfield to be a complete running back.”
Do you have any college offers?
“I have two offers, from Louisiana College and Monmouth College.”
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Air Force.”
What do you like most about playing running back?
“The thrill of the game. Getting the ball on the goal line needing a touchdown to win the game or making a crucial block when the linebacker is blitzing. I love making plays.”
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“Ezekiel Elliot (Dallas Cowboys).”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.6.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I run track.”
What is your GPA?
“3.7.”
Looking ahead to the new schedule, what game on the schedule are you most looking forward too?
“The game against C.E. Byrd.”
What are your goals for your senior season?
“I want to rush for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.””
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Kevin McCarthy; Airline RB Rovelle Young Jr