Byron Young was an overlooked draft prospect after taking a winding path to the NFL. He wasn’t a five-star recruit who went to a Division I school for three years before declaring for the draft. He began his college career at Gulf Coast Sports Academy before the program disbanded, leading Young to get a job as an assistant manager at Dollar General to support himself off the field.
Eventually, he landed at Tennessee where he was a dynamic outside linebacker with all the physical traits teams look for in a pass rusher. It wasn’t an easy route to the NFL, but Young found a home with the Rams as a third-round pick and he’s already become one of the top rookies from his draft class.
In an exclusive interview with Rams Wire on behalf of Dollar General, Young talked about how working at Dollar General helped develop his work ethic and drive, as well as what it’s been like to play alongside Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner.
He also gave himself a grade for his rookie season and talked about what makes Raheem Morris and Sean McVay such great coaches.
Byron Young: “Honestly, just maturing me, preparing me for life. Not just football, but just how to be a man and how to go about myself. Definitely shaped me into the man I am today and prepared me for life.”
BY: “I think that definitely helped, just being there in the real world, knowing the feeling of it. I definitely it had me a step ahead with everything and how to take everything in and knowing the ins and outs of how life goes. I feel like that definitely helped.”
BY: “I felt like it would take a little bit of time to get adjusted to it but I felt like I would be able to get the hang of it and improving every week and becoming an impactful player. I feel like I’ve definitely got a ways to go but I always felt like I was determined to make an impact wherever I go and try to be the best I can for the team.”
BY: “Just getting adjusted to the system. Getting to know everybody, getting to know the coaches, the playbook. That was the hardest part because you didn’t have that much time. With college, you get there in the spring and learn the playbook and everything. But in the NFL, you get there in May, June and you’ve got to learn the playbook really fast. Then you’re going to camp a month later. You don’t have much time for the learning curve. I did pretty well with that but I would say that was one of the hardest parts for me.”
BY: “It’s been amazing, playing beside him. Hall of Fame guy. An amazing technician. Everything he does. Smart guy and just learning from him, just seeing how he does it and how you move as a pro. His mentality. I love it. Just every day, he’s teaching me new things. I’m learning from him. Every day I’m watching him improve and just be the best player ever. I’m just glad to be here and glad to learn from him.
“He’ll just kind of say, if he sees you do a move, he’ll just add his little two cents in there or he’ll tell you ways to win if that might be the case. He’s definitely always there and if you need him, you can talk to him. just watching him work will make you want to get better because he’s always finding ways to get better. Anything he says, always take in.”
BY: “For sure. I think we’re definitely overlooked. Kobie Turner should definitely win Defensive Rookie of the Year. No doubt. But that’s how it goes sometimes, you know, popularity. That’s kind of how it is. Feel like we’re both being overlooked all season. Kobie Turner, hands down, should win it. The guy, every day coming into work. You see him during games. I’m talking about, he’s a closer. He closed the game out. That’s just what he does. Just watching him do it, I’m proud of him. Hopefully the right person gets the award: Kobie Turner. I’m praying they make the right decision.”
BY: “For my position, I would say Micah Parsons. Always watched him. We’re similar builds. Just a guy that’s athletic, fast, just like me. And relentless. That’s how I want to be every play. He’s determined to get to the quarterback. I’m trying to get to that point where every play, I’m getting near the quarterback or to the quarterback.
“Definitely AD, a guy I always looked at. T.J. Watt, a guy I always looked at. Maxx Crosby. The great players in the league. Got to try to study their game and learn after them.”
BY: “He’s just a great guy. He’s understanding. He’s not quick to assume. He understands when a mistake happens. He’s not the type to yell, get mad. He’ll say, ‘Let’s talk, let’s get through it.’ I’ve never seen him really upset. He’s always a calm guy. He lets you fix your mistake. He’s going to tell you what you did and let’s just get it done. No reason to yell and curse. That’s just the way he goes about it and that’s why I always respect him. That’s what I love about him.”
BY: “He’s basically the same way. He’s a caring coach. Like, he cares about your needs and anything going on with you personally and your mental. He checks up on you all the time. He’s understanding. He doesn’t just yell and do all that. He’s a coach and he understands his players. He just goes about it as a business man. I love it. Being with him so far and learning from him and him teaching me things, it’s a dream come true. Definitely one of the best coaches in the league right now. I’d say he’s the best coach, in my opinion. I’m just glad to have him as my coach.”
BY: “At the beginning, I feel like we were trying to find our way and coming together as a group. As the season went on, we became tighter and more together. We became more mature as a group and playing really good football. I love what I’m seeing right now. We’re trying to continue this journey and keep it going and continue to play good football and just stick together as one.”
BY: “I think it’s gone pretty good. Grade, I would say a B-. A lot of stuff I can improve on. IQ, technique, just getting to the quarterback more, just things I want to work on. I think for a starting year, this is not a bad year for me. Definitely could be better but I’m not satisfied at all so got a lot of work to do.”
BY: “I haven’t really thought about it that much. It’s going to be a hostile environment and a great experience. I just can’t wait for the game and go out there and play some ball.”
