Chase Young is welcoming the idea of playing for his home team.
The Maryland native, widely heralded as one of the best prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, said recently it would be “an honor” to play for the Washington Redskins, should he be selected second overall on Thursday night.
“It would definitely be an honor to play at home,” Young recently told ABC-affiliate WJLA. “Not a lot of people get the opportunity to play for their hometown football team. God willing, He gives me the chance to do it, then — like any team I go to — I’m gonna be the best player I can be.”
Though Young’s fate is still unknown, he’s been on the Redskins’ radar for some time.
Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins welcomed him to the team already
Dwayne Haskins and Chase Young Getty Images Shortly after Young declared for the draft in January, Haskins — last year’s 15th overall selection and former Ohio State teammate — didn’t waste time welcoming the Heisman Trophy finalist to the Redskins.
“See you soon,” Haskins tweeted at the time, including a winky face emoji.
The Redskins finished at 3-13 last year, firing head coach Jay Gruden early in the season. The organization later hired former Panthers coach Ron Rivera.
As of Tuesday, the Redskins’ No. 2 pick is drawing strong trade interest 48 hours ahead of draft night.
Washington isn't the only NFC East team yearning for his services
In addition to the Redskins, Young has also been linked to the Giants, who currently hold the No. 4 pick in the draft and are in need of an edge-rusher. According to The Post’s Paul Schwartz, however, he doesn’t envision the former Ohio State Buckeye wearing blue in the near future.
He's been a targeted prospect since high school
The former Ohio State Buckeye in action against the Clemson Tigers in December 2019 Getty Images In 2016, Young — who attended DeMatha Catholic High School — was invited to participate in The Opening, regarded as a premier recruiting event. He also ranked as one of Maryland’s top high school athletes.
His interests span beyond football
Though Young’s NFL career has yet to begin, the 6-foot-5, 264-found defensive end has already given thought to his post-football future, telling SB Nation in 2016 he’d like to be an FBI agent one day.
“It’s a lot more than just football to me,” Young said at the time. “It’s a lot of what to do after football.”
As for why a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation piqued his interest, Young replied: “I just always was attracted to it. I’m not sure why, just me.”
And yes, he knows he's the 'best'
Getty Images Between the 16.5 sacks and 46 total tackles last season, Young is more than aware his skillset is elite.
“I know I’m the best, definitely,” Young recently told ESPN when asked if he is this year’s top prospect.
Though Young won’t be able to make a fashion statement on the red carpet Thursday night, he intends to make the best of a unique situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re just trying to make sure the people who are making it can get it here,” Young said, also teasing the look. “All I will tell you is that I think the color is green … money green, yeah.”
