Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young on Tuesday became the fourth former Ohio State player in five years to be named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
The No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, Young recorded 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass break ups and three fumble recoveries, including one that he returned for a touchdown, to lead Washington to the NFC East title and a trip to the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. He was voted a team captain by his peers and named to the 2021 Pro Bowl, which will be held virtually via Madden this year.
“I think the way he arrived on the scene, serious about his work and fitting in with his teammates, I think is exactly what you hope for,” defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “And then the biggest surprise, just something that I really didn’t anticipate, is how much of a leader he is and how much of an inspiration he is. He loves football. He loves his teammates. All you have to do is watch him. Watch him during practice, watch him on game day. He loves ball. I think it’s infectious.”
Other Buckeyes who have garnered defensive rookie of the year honors include Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa in 2016, New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in 2017 and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa in 2019.
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