Kiffin doles out high praise for PB Lakes’ Young
Defensive back draws comparison to Owls star safety.
BOCA RATON — Palm Beach Lakes athlete and newest Florida Atlantic signee Teja Young has said he hopes to play like another former Palm Beach County standout, current Owls star safety and Seminole Ridge graduate Jalen Young.
Without even seeing Teja play at the Division I level, Owls coach Lane Kiffin wasted no time in comparing the two.
“(Teja) looks a lot like Jalen Young, the way he makes plays, and we’re really excited to add him,” Kiffin said Wednesday.
Given that the older Young is considered one of the defense’s two vocal leaders — joining fellow rising senior linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair — and was one of seven Owls named to the All-Conference USA first team last season, such a comparison creates lofty expectations for Teja Young. Jalen finished second in Division I with seven interceptions last season and took a major step forward under the new coaching staff, specifically pro liaison and veteran NFL defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.
Teja Young was listed at 5 feet 6 and 180 pounds by the Owls in their signing day roster, while Jalen is 5-foot11 and 185 pounds.
Kiffin hasn’t had a problem making such bold statements about his players’ potential since taking over in December 2016. Conference USA MVP and All-America running back Devin Singletary (American Heritage) is nicknamed “Baby Bush” after former USC All-American Reggie Bush. Last spring, Kiffin compared former Seminole Ridge star running back Kerrith Whyte to NFL veteran Darren Sproles.
This also isn’t the first time Kiffin has said something about a true freshman playing to a high standard. Just four games into Zyon Gilbert’s college career, Kiffin said the defensive back would be “playing for a long time” in the NFL.
As for Teja Young, who after playing quarterback and defensive back in high school will focus on the latter at FAU, Kiffin likes what he’s seen on tape.
“Really dynamic player when the ball gets in his hands; finds a way to make plays,” Kiffin said.