Chase Young is coming to Washington.
Since the early months of the college football season, player evaluators around the National Football League have practically drooled over Young's potential. Last year he led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles, and finished fourth overall in tackles for loss. Young is 6-5, weighs 265 pounds, and has an 80-inch wingspan that helps him glide around — or through — offensive linemen.
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In the lead-up to the draft, he was compared to stars as lofty as Khalil Mack and Von Miller. Here are five things to know about the Redskins' new pass-rusher:
1. He's confident
One thing Washington won't need to teach Young is self-confidence. In February, he told reporters, "I definitely think I'm the best player in the draft." Young was so sure of himself, in fact, that he chose not to participate in any of the physical-testing portions of the scouting combine. When asked, in an NFL Network appearance, why he didn't participate Young responded, "I'm not trying to compete to be a combine player… Just know when I step on that field Day 1, I'll be ready."
2. He's a record-breaker
Young had a historic run in his time at Ohio State. Last year — in a game in which he had four sacks, five tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles — Young tied the Buckeyes' single-game sack record. By season's end, he had an NCAA-leading 16.5 sacks (in just 12 games), breaking Ohio State's single-season record as well.
3. He trained with "The Terminator"
In the months leading up to the draft, most prospects are working on boosting their 40-yard-dash time or refining their positional mechanics. Young had a more outside-of-the-box approach. In January he was seen working out with former California Governor and action-star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Whether that training makes him more lethal on the field remains to be seen.
The PREDATOR @youngchase907 meets the TERMINATOR @Schwarzenegger ! pic.twitter.com/qoMzQHBdtO
4. He's got some pretty famous fans
During Young's dominant 2019 season, he picked up a number of high profile endorsements. In October, in the midst of a four-sack game against 13th-ranked Wisconsin, three-time defensive player of the year JJ Watt gave him a shout-out on twitter. An hour later, Ohio-native LeBron James went even further.
Chase Young stop it man!! Absolute MONSTER!! Matter of fact don’t listen to me, keep going Young 🤴🏽 #GoBucks 💪🏾
5. He has his post-playing career lined up
Just because Young is a potential NFL-superstar doesn't mean that he isn't looking for a career beyond football. A criminal justice major at Ohio State, Young is considering a career in law enforcement after his playing days are over. “My dad and both my uncles were in law enforcement,” Young told cleveland.com last season. "I would want to be a special agent out in the street. Like a detective."
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