Zion Young has emerged as one of the most talented defensive additions in the Missouri Tigers’ recent history. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound edge rusher arrived in Columbia as a transfer from Michigan State in January 2024. He has become the heartbeat of Eliah Drinkwitz‘s defense in a season. Apart from winning multiple SEC defensive lineman of the week honours, the 21-year-old is also the team captain. But Mizzou nearly lost on signing the young star athlete not once but twice.
Young previously made an official visit before committing to MSU. But just after one season, his name was back in the transfer portal. This time, it was Florida State who was interested. Drinkwitz told ‘Voice of the Tigers’ Mike Kelly about the conversation they had. “I said, ‘No, no they’re not. You’ve already done this to me once.’ He ended up coming, and he’s just been a remarkable young man.”
Where is Zion Young from, and What is Zion Young’s Nationality?
Zion Young was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. As a resident of Georgia, Young holds citizenship in the United States and represents his state and school with pride on the national stage. He has been a leader since his time at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. In his senior year at the high school, he recorded 58 tackles and 2.5 sacks, leading them to the third round of Georgia’s 6A playoffs. But it didn’t come easily as he flunked all his classes in his freshman year and was barred from playing football.
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He had to sit out the whole season before he made a comeback in his senior year. This setback went a long way in teaching him the value of academics and hard work. In his own words, “For me having a second chance in high school, … this is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Zion Young said. “This is my first love. Football is my first love.” He initially committed to Michigan State University, where he played from 2022 to 2023.
As a freshman, he appeared in eight games with 21 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack, while his sophomore season saw him become the full-time starter with 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks across 12 games. Young entered the transfer portal in December 2023 and committed to the University of Missouri in January 2024, looking for a fresh start in the SEC.
What is Zion Young’s ethnicity?
Zion Young identifies as African-American, an identity that he carries with pride both on and off the field. The DE has deep roots in Georgia. His brother, Kendall Young, plays for the Georgia Yellowjackets. His father, Frank, was their coach and helped them become the players they are today. His family and their support were always paramount for the 21-year-old.
While talking to the press at SEC media day, he said, “I come from a very vocal family. My dad is ex-military. My mom is more laid back, but that’s my mom, I’m a momma’s boy. I come from a very structured family. I’ve always been the youngest,” he said. Young has continued his impressive run of performances by recording 25 total tackles and 5 sacks this season.
The support from parents helped him after the setback in high school. In his journey, he also relied on faith to continue moving forward.
Is Zion Young Christian?
Zion Young is a devout Christian, and he has expressed his faith in God time and again. Meanwhile, his upbringing in the southeastern United States suggests religious values played a big role in shaping his character. Rather than discussing his religion, Young demonstrates his values through his actions.
“For this play, like coach B, early just got up there and said I look, I was out of it. I looked at Coach B early. Yes me you’re good. You need one. I’m like, nah. It was one more. I got it. So I rushed the passer. He could go straight up. He comes through the middle. I saw the ball fly out and couldn’t believe it, like it dropped out of the sky. I couldn’t believe this dropped out of the sky. I’m like, look at God. I picked the ball up and I scored,” he said, describing the play.
This defining moment came during Missouri’s 2024 upset victory over Oklahoma as he scored a touchdown.
The post What Is Zion Young’s Ethnicity, Religion, and Nationality? Exploring His Family Roots and Background appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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