Wednesday's pick in the Top 50 Greatest Football Players in Alcorn history is legendary defensive back Roynell Young. Young was a member of the Braves football team from 1977 to 1979.
Young showcased his skills in the Braves secondary his first season in 1977. He led the Braves defense with seven interceptions and recorded 12 pass deflections. He also recorded 36 tackles and was named to the All-SWAC Honorable Mention team.
In 1978, Young was 1st on the team and 2nd in the SWAC in interceptions with a total of seven for 45 yards. He also managed to record 17 pass deflections while racking up 47 tackles. He was named to the All-SWAC 2nd Team for his performance that season.
His final season as a Brave in 1979, Young intercepted six passes for 86 yards and recorded career-high's of 61 tackles and 19 pass deflections. The Braves captured the 1979 SWAC Championship that season with an 8-2 record with the defensive secondary only allowing 108.0 yards per game. For his outstanding numbers, Young was named to the All-SWAC and NAIA 1st Team Defense. He earned the Sheridian Broadcasting Company Defensive Player of the Year Award and was a NEA All-America 2nd Team select. He also participated in the 1980 Senior Bowl.
Young finished his career with a total of 20 interceptions, 144 tackles, and 48 pass deflections. In 1980, he was selected the 23rd overall player by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Draft becoming the first Alcorn State football player to be selected in the 1st Round.
"3 DAYS LEFT UNTIL KICKOFF!!!"
