The Baltimore Ravens needed to add a cornerback that can cover smaller, shifty slot receivers. The team had an abundance of picks in the 2016 NFL Draft and used one of their picks on a local product from Potomac High School in Oxon Hill.
Tavon Young graduated from Potomac High and moved on to Temple University. He helped turn the program around and experienced a memorable 2016 season. His best game came against Notre Dame. He drew the assignment of covering a future first-round pick in Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller. Young held Fuller in check, playing man-to-man most of the game.
That performance really put the 5 feet 10 inch, 185-pound corner on the map. Young was also a standout at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The Ravens always scout the Senior Bowl thoroughly. Young went out and competed in every practice. He drew the attention of his hometown team.
Getting the opportunity to play for the Ravens is a fantasy for Young.
“It’s exciting. It’s a blessing and I’m overwhelmed that they picked me,” Young said. “It’s like a kid’s dream to play for his hometown.”
The mindset that Young brings to the game is exactly what the Ravens want. Head coach John Harbaugh always preaches how important it is to fight. He likes scrappy players that never back down from a challenge. Young personifies the will to fight that Harbaugh cherishes in players.
“I’m just a tough guy. I’m a tough player, and that’s what a lot of coaches and people appreciate about me.” Young said. “They always talk about size, but no matter who it is or how big they are, I always come out on top. I think that’s what makes me special.”
Being a smaller corner makes it difficult to compete on the outside, especially against bigger wide receivers. Young relishes the chance to go against them. He wins by fighting for the ball all the way to the ground. It doesn’t matter how he can be outsized at times.
“Never back down and never fear any man. You have to attack every situation. People are always going to doubt you,” Young said. “If you just have that confidence and that dog in you, then none of that matters.”
Young worked out for the Ravens at their local pro day and felt he put on a good show. It was important for him to not only do that at the pro day but to always put his best foot forward. Even though he was not a Ravens fan growing up, he is aware of the team’s status as an elite NFL organization and he is ready to add to the legacy.
“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get started— I’m ready now. It’s a great program and a winning program,” Young said. “It has great history, great players [and] a playoff team every year. It’s just a great organization.”