Jeff LegwoldESPN Senior Writer9:24 AM ET3 Minute Read
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INDIANAPOLIS — Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, one of the top-rated prospects in April’s NFL draft, says he understands the questions the league’s personnel evaluators might have about his size and potential durability.
Because he has a mirror.
“I’ve been respectfully that tall my entire life,” Young said with a slight smile while speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. “I know who I am, I know what I can do. For me it’s fair, anyone can speculate, ask me any question. I’ll keep controlling what I can control, keep doing my best. . .. I I’m confident, I know what I can do.”
Young, who won’t be officially weighed in or measured at the combine until Saturday, also happens to be one of the most decorated players in this year’s draft. Young, a Heisman Trophy winner and 2021 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 79 touchdowns with 12 interceptions while going 24-3 in his two seasons as a starter on the Crimson Tide. In his last collegiate game, Alabama’s Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State in January, Young threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
Young is the #1 player on Scouts Inc. and #4 on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest big board.
But since he’s listed in Alabama as 6-foot-0 and 194 pounds, Young’s height has become one of the most talked about parts of his NFL potential — especially after suffering a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder last season missed the time.
However, Young displayed the same unflappable nature as behind the center on Friday.
“To be honest, I don’t really know much about what’s being said about me,” Young said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s opinion… I respect everyone’s opinion, but I’m focused on what I can control. I take advice and direction from people I trust.”
Of what he might weigh in on Saturday, Young said: “I was in the 200lb range and that was something that wasn’t too heavy.”
Young said Friday he officially met with the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans at the combine. The Bears have number 1 in the draft and the Texans have number 2 and 12.
He said each of those teams has “great staff” and “great coaches.”
Young, who said he spoke to former Alabama quarterback and current New England Patriots QB Mac Jones about the pre-draft process and “how I carry myself,” was asked on Friday what he thinks is the best part of his game.
“For me, I’m really proud of my leadership,” said Young. “I know I have to earn that at the next level. I’m really looking forward to… trying to earn that trust and respect in that dressing room. I know I’m not entitled to that.”