Meet Florida’s 5-star running back, Richard Young, a standout player and a major asset to Alabama. Born in 2004 to Juanita Young, he hails from Lehigh Acres, FL. He became the 16th commitment for the Crimson Tide in the class of 2023. Young chose Alabama over top programs like Georgia, Oregon, and Notre Dame, showing his commitment to excellence. He showcased his enthusiasm and readiness for joining the new team, Alabama, by tweeting, “Ready to work.”

Despite being a freshman, Young has all the qualities the RB should have, from speed and power to versatility on the ground. He is a full package of athleticism. Young, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, is an impressive physical presence on the field. In 2021, Young showcased his exceptional talent by amassing over 1,700 rushing yards and scoring 19 touchdowns at Lehigh Senior High School.

Juanita Young and uncle Timothy Grubb’s influence on Young’s life

Young receives immense support from his guardian, Timothy Grubbs. Both his mother and uncle are there to encourage him, instilling strong values and morals in him both on and off the field.

He believes in giving back to society. When he is not playing on the field, he is seen coaching at youth football camps. Highlighting Young’s admirable qualities, for which his family and fans love him, Lehigh athletic director Greg Coleman told Southwest Florida Sports, “Everything that’s going on, it’s unbelievable how someone is getting this much recognition nationally can stay as grounded as he is. He hasn’t forgotten his roots, he hasn’t forgotten his family. He’s just the type of kid that is so grounded.”

Young is a rare case among athletes who keep their personal lives private. On the internet, not much information about his parents, siblings, or extended family is available except for his mother, Juanita Young, and his guardian uncle, Timothy Grubbs. This level of preference is uncommon in the age of social media, where many athletes share their moments with fans.

However, Richard stands out by maintaining a high level of privacy. He is also notably less active on Instagram and other social media, without even a single photo of his family. Richard’s preference for privacy adds intrigue to his life, fueling curiosity about the person behind his football skills among fans and followers.

The reason for choosing Alabama

The school’s renowned running back program majorly influenced his decision to join Alabama. In an interview with Touchdown Alabama Mag, he said, “The running back tradition, that separated a lot from other schools. The first-rounders they brought in like Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs, all of them boys. So, that is what made me feel like I could be a first-rounder too. I believe in Nick Saban.” Nick Saban has now retired.

Apart from a renowned running back program and coaching legacy, Richard believes that joining Alabama will, most importantly, boost his chances of becoming a first-round NFL draft pick. The tradition of excellence and success of Alabama also played a crucial role in his decision.

Young has often been compared to Josh Jacobs, another standout RB from Alabama. Both share some similarities, like physical appearance and playing styles.