Charles Young

Bio

Whenever a debate starts as to naming the greatest team in college football history the 1972 Southern California squad is always mentioned. One of the biggest offensive threats for the Trojans was tight end Charles Young. Young’s size earned him the nickname of “Tree.” His size advantage helped as a run blocker while he utilized his wide receiver-like speed to be a deep threat as a pass receiver. In addition to opening up holes in the defense for his running backs, Young caught 29 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns as coach John McKay’s Trojans rode to an 11-0 regular season and a thorough 42-17 trouncing of Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Lynn Swann had led the Trojans in receiving for in 1970 and 1971, but in 1972, Young edged his Hall of Fame teammate. He had 68 receptions in his three-year career for 1,090 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his senior season, he was a unanimous All-America selection. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973. That same year he won NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Over his outstanding 13-year pro career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and spent time with the Rams, Chargers, and Seahawks in addition to the Eagles. Over the years, Young has volunteered his time to the United Way, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Society, the Pacific Northwest Athletic Congress, the 1990 Goodwill Games the Wee Care Childcare Center, and the Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Career Highlights

• 1972 All-Conference
• 1972 Unanimous All-America
• 1971 Second Team All-America