University of Alabama product Bryce Young is considered one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, but lately, there has been a lot of buzz and concern about his size as a player.
On Friday, he addressed the matter.
“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young said. “I know who I am, I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate, ask me every question. I’m going to continue to control what I can control, continue to keep working my hardest. … I’m confident in myself. I know what I can do.”
Young was listed at 6-feet and 194 pounds at Alabama, but many are skeptical of those numbers. In October, Dane Brugler of The Athletic reported that scouts think the prospect could measure in around 5-foot-10 at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
That would certainly make him one of the smaller quarterbacks in the NFL, which may cause some teams to have second thoughts about drafting him.
The former Heisman Trophy winner seems confident regardless of what’s being said about him.
“To be honest, I don’t really know too much about what’s said about me,” Young said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s opinion…I respect everyone’s opinion, but I focus on what I can control. I take the advice and the direction of the people that I trust.”
He also touched on his leadership abilities and explained that he takes a lot of pride in being a leader.
“For me, I really pride myself on my leadership,” Young said. “I know that’s something I have to earn at the next level. I’m really excited to…try to earn that trust and respect from that locker room. I know that’s not something I’m entitled to.”
It won’t be long before Young’s official measurements are available for evaluation. While the 21-year-old’s weight may have changed since his time ended at Alabama, it’s unlikely that his height — whatever it may be — has changed much.
Young had a very impressive college career, essentially becoming a star over the course of two seasons.
In the 2021 campaign, he completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 15 games. In the 2022 season, he completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games.
Young is incredibly talented and should have a chance to make a name for himself at the NFL level, but his size will certainly be a story to monitor as this year’s draft approaches. He still figures to be one of the first players off the board no matter what.
