Jonsean Young’s Impactful Return to the Field

Junior running back Jonsean Young gained significant momentum after returning to the field for Morgan Park. An injury to his knee during summer training delayed the start of his season. This break turned out to be beneficial for Young’s performance.

“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 displayed his renewed drive on Saturday afternoon by breaking off a 32-yard run that set up his own go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs secured a 20-6 win over Simeon in the Public League Red Star at Rockne Stadium in Chicago. Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr.’s 54-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Travezz Jones also contributed to Morgan Park’s fifth consecutive victory.

Young’s 1-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter broke a 6-6 tie. Junior defensive end Milen Porter, with two sacks and seven tackles, praised Young’s efforts:

“We needed that so badly,” Porter said of Young’s touchdown. “He’s a tough guy who has played through an injury all season. He’s physical and runs really hard. I applaud him.”

After junior running back William Smith Jr. scored a 64-yard touchdown early in the game, Morgan Park’s offense largely fell silent until Young’s return. Smith noted Young’s determination was heightened by his time off the field.

“As soon as he came back, he had a hungry mentality,” Smith said. “He goes hard every single play. Off the field, he’s quiet, a great student, and a funny guy who’s great to be around.”

In just his third game back, Young has been efficient, scoring four touchdowns. Against Simeon, he played only the second half but managed 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.”

Young considers himself about 95% healthy. He showed strong burst and cutback ability, and he was willing to power through tackles.

Morgan Park’s Jonsean Young (26) tries to elude a tackle against Simeon during a Public League Red Star game at Rockne Stadium in Chicago on Friday.

“The coaches have always believed in me,” Young said. “My mentality is just to run hard. Every time I run is a chance to help the team win.”

He has played varsity since his freshman season and is known for his toughness. Young also maintains a family legacy in football. His cousin is Bucky Irving, a former Hillcrest standout now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Football just goes back 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 discovered his love for the game early. His mother recounted his fondness for football since childhood. Besides football, he is passionate about entrepreneurship, designing shirts and clothes inspired by his brothers.

“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 wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

In pursuit of his dreams, Young plans to play in college. He hopes to use football as a constructive outlet and achieve success at 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.