Despite setback, Young brings high hopes to senior season

When Isheem Young begins his football career at Penn State next season, he will bring a winning reputation, based on the past three years and likely his senior season as well.

A 5-foot-10, 204-pound safety from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Charter, Young lost only one game the past three seasons and was part of two championship teams. That one loss occurred in last year’s PIAA Class AAAA final, a 27-20 defeat at the hands of Erie Cathedral Prep, followed Saturday by a 33-14 loss to Harrisburg.

“I have been fortunate to play on some really good teams with some really good players that helped me win a lot of games,” Young said when interviewed recently via text message. “It took a team effort, and I had to do my job and whatever it took to win.”

When it came to recruiting Young, Penn State was the leader from the beginning. He had offers from all the major powers but wanted to play relatively close to home. In addition to Penn State, which is about a four-hour drive from his home, he considered West Virginia, Ohio State, Maryland, Alabama and Clemson.

Young, who received four stars from Rivals.com, announced his commitment on July 18 but said he knew in April that he would be signing with the Nittany Lions. He made several trips to University Park and “loved every visit,” he said – so much so that he didn’t visit any other schools before making his announcement.

“The family aspect and the relationship I developed and had with players on the team already, allowed the decision to be made easier,” he said.

Young is rated the No. 4 player in Pennsylvania by Rivals, the No. 9 safety in the country and No. 112 overall prospect. He said Penn State simply felt comfortable.

“What I like most about Penn State is the home feeling I get when I’m there,” he said. “It always feels like I'm welcome and appreciated there, and that is with football and academically.”

Young didn’t play high school football his freshman year, opting instead to compete in Pop Warner. His team, the Philadelphia-based Northwest Raiders, went unbeaten that season and won the Pop Warner Super Bowl. During the championship game, which took place in Orlando, Young rushed for 158 yards and four touchdowns, as the Northwest Raiders defeated the New Britain (Conn.) Raiders, 26-6.

As a sophomore, Young was a vital part of Imhotep’s nationally ranked 15-0 team that won the PIAA Class AAA championship. Imhotep became the first team from the Philadelphia Public League to win a state title, defeating Erie Cathedral Prep, 40-3.

“He is used to being spotlighted and playing at the highest level,” said Albie Crosby, Young’s head coach at Imhotep his sophomore year and now the coach at Philadelphia’s Neumann-Goretti High.

Crosby said even at a young age, Young showed plenty of poise. “He had a very good IQ, field awareness and was always competitive,” Crosby said. “He’s a winner.”

Young said the loss in last year’s PIAA championship game could be a learning experience for him and his teammates, who are expected to challenge for the state title again this season, even with Saturday's result.

“As far as the loss in the state championship, it hurt. But losses happen and it’s how you grow and learn from them [that matters],” Young said. “It was a taste I was not used to, and I do not plan on feeling that pain of a loss again.”

Imhotep has a new coach this year in Nick Lincoln, who was the head coach Penn Wood the previous three years and before that an assistant at Imhotep. He says one thing stands out about Young: “He is a physical dude, even without pads on. Even in seven-on-seven [drills], he had kids afraid to catch balls in the middle and he has that reputation as a hitter.”

It’s a reputation that Young doesn’t shy away from, but he says his game includes much more than just a willingness to deliver a big hit. “The best part about my game is the passion I play with,” he said, “and the covering and hitting skills I have.”

He also tries to emphasize a total team effort on every play. “I believe in involving everyone on my team and bringing the best out of everyone,” he said.

Lincoln says Young’s coverage skills have improved so much that a position change could be in store this high school season. “We have put him at corner. Penn State will probably put him in the box at nickel,” Lincoln said. “He’s improved his one-on-on covering, is stepping up his game and is really a smart football player.”

Lincoln said Young’s versatility will be a major asset, noting that while he’s built like a safety, he could fit in elsewhere if needed. “He is physical and somebody you want [to defend] the run game,” Lincoln said, “but he could play corner if needed.”

In previous years, Young tended to exert a more subdued form of leadership, but that could change now that he’s a senior. “He’s not a real vocal kid but somebody who has led by example,” Lincoln said. “He’s always been a kid the others look up to, and now he’s forced into a senior leadership role and it will be good for him.”

And for the team. Young exudes a quiet confidence, and despite all the talent that Penn State has amassed in its recent recruiting classes, his goal is to make an immediate contribution.

“I believe I can come in and contribute on special teams and at the safety position,” he said. “I’m very humbled and ready to face any challenge I will meet at Penn State.”