Some of the top football programs – mostly Power 5 schools – are vying for Young’s services. Photo by Jesse Garber

Aaron Young has options. Out of the corners of his eyes, he sees two defenders converging on him, but they don’t know what Young knows. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Coatesville tailback can either blow by them, or plow through them. It’s what happens when you possess that fine blend of speed and power, like Young. You have options.

Young’s options are growing this summer. He’s one of the best backs in Pennsylvania on one of the best 6A teams in 2018, and he’s already received offers from Big Ten schools Northwestern, Minnesota, Maryland, Michigan State, Indiana, Nebraska and Rutgers, where his older brother, Avery, is a freshman cornerback, along with schools like Wake Forest, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Pitt, North Carolina, UConn, Toledo, Syracuse, West Virginia, Army, UMass and Old Dominion, where his oldest brother, Jordan, is a sophomore linebacker.

Aaron, a senior-to-be at Coatesville, is the third son of former Temple star defensive back Anthony Young, a third-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 1985 draft who played in 14 games for the Colts his rookie year, 12 of which were starts. Anthony recorded an interception and a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown, before his promising career was cut short the following season due to a neck injury.

Aaron has his father’s speed—and dad’s power. For Coatesville last season, Aaron rushed for 1,687 yards and 31 touchdowns for the Red Raiders, also picking up another 338 yards and four touchdowns receiving. Young helped Coatesville to the PIAA Class 6A semifinals, where the Red Raiders lost to powerhouse St. Joseph’s Prep, 53-49.

The Red Raiders did finish 13-2 overall and with Young and quarterback Ricky Ortega, the son of Red Raiders’ head coach Matt Ortega, Coatesville will be a favorite to reach the 6A state finals again.

But first, Young will take a look at his growing list of options off the field.

“I’m going to either make a college choice during the summer, or maybe look at a few schools after the season starts,” said Young, who played cornerback and running back for the Red Raiders last season. “I would define myself as an all-around running back, someone who has speed and power. I think you have to have both to succeed. I want to play running back in college, but some schools are recruiting me as a cornerback.

“I would prefer playing running back in college. But I will play anything that I can to get on the field fast. We’re going to be good again, and I can’t wait. We have basically everyone back, and my goal is to win a state championship. It’s the one thing I have left to do.”

Young said the biggest adjustment for him his senior year will be becoming a more vocal leader. In the past, it was easy. Aaron would lead by example. This year, it’s Aaron and the senior’s team.

“I have to bring guys up, and step it up and talk more,” Aaron said. “I know the guys will listen to me. I just have to get used to speaking up.”

Young is hoping to get up to 195 pounds. He’s hoping to narrow down his big list of college choices.

“It’s not really pressing to get my college choice done early, and Rutgers will be a strong consideration, because Avery is there,” Young said. “I’ll take my time.”

When you’re that good, you have options. *