Junior running back Jonsean Young actually got a big boost from being off the field for Morgan Park. A knee injury he suffered during summer training delayed the start of his season.
That short respite has turned into a good thing for Young’s game on the field.
“I realized how much I missed everything and wanted to be back,” he said. “I never fold under pressure. This is a game I love and have been doing ever since I was little. I just keep going.”
Young was going, going, gone Saturday afternoon.
He broke off a 32-yard run that set up his own go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Mustangs earned a 20-6 Public League Red Star win over Simeon at Rockne Stadium in Chicago.
Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. also connected on a 54-yard TD pass with senior wide receiver Travezz Jones to lead Morgan Park (5-1, 3-0) to its fifth straight win.
Young’s 1-yard TD run at the start of the fourth broke a 6-6 tie. According to junior defensive end Milen Porter, who had two sacks and seven tackles, it was just what the doctor ordered.
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“We needed that so badly,” Porter said of Young’s TD run. “He’s a tough guy who has played through an injury the whole season. He’s physical and he runs really hard. I applaud him.”
Morgan Park’s offense was largely dormant after junior running back William Smith Jr. produced a 64-yard TD on the second play from scrimmage.
Smith confirmed that Young’s time away has only heightened his determination.
“As soon as he came back, he had a hungry mentality,” he said. “He goes very hard every single play. Off the field he’s quiet, a great student, a funny guy who’s great to be around.”
This was just Young’s third game back. He has been efficient in that limited time, scoring four TDs. He only played the second half against Simeon, finishing with 61 yards on seven carries.
“The coaches have been careful about my playing time and working me back, but I was fresh when I got in there,” he said. “We needed a first down and the coaches put me in.
“I took that as an opportunity to run the ball, and I ran hard.”
By his own admission, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Young is about 95% healthy. He flashed excellent burst and cutback ability and also showed a willingness to take on pounding between the tackles.
“The coaches have always believed in me,” he said. “My mentality is just to run hard. Every time I run is a chance to help the team win.”
He has been on varsity since his freshman season, developing that reputation as a tough runner.
Young also has maintained a family tradition. His cousin on his mother’s side is Bucky Irving, the former Hillcrest star who plays running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Football just goes back generations beyond generations in my family, with my dad, my uncles, and now Bucky,” Young said. “I’ve watched Bucky ever since I was little, and he’s a big influence.
“I want to make football my career like he has.”
Young showed an affinity and love for the game early as a child. His mother told him how he had a fondness for playing with any football that was left lying around the house.
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His creativity as runner carries over to his other interests and passions.
“I’m an entrepreneur,” Young said. “I like to design shirts and clothes. I first learned about it probably three years ago. I saw my brothers doing it and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
In that regard, he has his sights set on the next level.
“I want to play in college and make something happen,” Young said. “it feels great to be back. There’s so much satisfaction running the ball and playing the game. You take your anger out.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.