Throughout this draft season, OptimumScouting.com will host multiple “Draft Journals” that hopefully will give insight into the draft process and into each individual prospects background, lifestyles and ups-and-downs of their respective draft processes.
This is cornerback Tavon Young’s second draft journal, who was a part of one of the best seasons in Temple football history. While Tyler Matakevich won the national awards, it was Young who slowed down the Notre Dame passing attack and has emerged as Temple’s best draft prospect.
The pre-draft process has not slowed down since I returned to Philly from the Combine in Indianapolis. My pro day took place at Temple on March 16th. This was an important follow-up to my Combine performance, and was another chance for me to prove that I am one of the top cornerbacks in this draft.
I was very satisfied with most of my results at the Combine. My official 40-yard dash of 4.46 was among the top 10 fastest for my position, and I also was one of the top performers in the 3-cone drill and the short shuttle. But I wasn’t happy with my bench or broad jump so the pro day gave me a chance to do those over. I worked really hard over the weeks between the Combine and the pro day and never really took any time off. Fortunately, my hard work paid dividends as I was able to put up 13 reps on the bench– a big improvement over the 9 that I did at the Combine – and improved my broad jump from 9’10” to 10’1”. In the position drills, I think I again showed why I have the best feet and hips of any defensive back in the draft and am an NFL-ready cornerback.
The pro day was really special to me because it really showed how strong the Temple football program is. We had 17 players participate, and I think several showed that they deserve to be considered for the draft. I was especially proud of Kyle Friend’s performance. He was not invited to the Combine, but should definitely be considered a serious prospect. He put up 41 reps on the bench, had a 5.09 40-yard-dash and an 8’6” broad jump. These are all really impressive numbers for an interior lineman. It just felt really good back to be back on the field with my teammates one last time.
The last few weeks have been filled with training and preparation for private workouts and team visits. The workouts and visits are an important part of an organization’s decision-making process leading up to the draft. They are a great opportunity for teams to learn more about a prospect’s football IQ, personality, and work ethic. It also gives players the chance to learn more about how different teams operate.
I have already worked out privately for a number of teams and have a few more scheduled over the next couple of weeks. I also have a few team visits scheduled. The workouts can be intense. They usually start with some film study and then field work. The field work can be long and hard which is why I keep working every day to stay in top shape.
There are only a few weeks left before the draft, and I’m excited to see where I end up. I really don’t care what team it is to be honest. I just want the chance to play and live out my childhood dream. Whatever team that drafts me, I can promise the fans that I will do everything I can to help win a Super Bowl.
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