Robert Young, Roy Royals next great one

by James Tate

The Roy Royals football team is off to its best start, with a 7-0 record, since the 2020 season, and senior Robert Young is one of the main reasons why. This season, the Royals have a team full of versatile players like Young, who excel in multiple positions and are matchup problems for opponents. Young’s unique athletic talent allows him to showcase his skills anywhere on the field, and his leadership, hard work, and ability make him one of the state’s standout players.

The Royals’ 2020 season ended with a home playoff loss to the West Panthers after a season filled with excitement to make a deep playoff run. It was the last high school football game for Cade Harris, a senior wide receiver with the Air Force Falcons. Harris was a do-it-all player for four years at Roy (2017-2020) and finished his career with 1,092 rushing and 1,941 receiving yards. Young joins Harris in the elite 1,000 – 1,000 club for career rushing and receiving yards at Roy. Young eclipsed the rushing mark earlier this season and now stands at 1,235 rushing and 1,435 receiving yards.

The Royals are no strangers to having elite playmakers. Harris’ teammate at Roy and current Brigham Young University wide receiver Parker Kingston (2019-2021) tore through the competition en route to 2,136 rushing yards and 2,649 passing yards in his career. Current Utah State University receiver Kyrese White amassed 2,375 career total yards as a running back, receiver, and kick returner from 2016-2018 for the Royals.

Young has been a significant player for the Royals in every phase of the game, on offense and defense. He is also a special kick-off and punt returner. With the ability to take over a game and change its momentum, Young displayed his big-play capability in his sophomore year when he scored touchdowns from 66, 67, and 77 yards.

Hawaii to Utah

Before arriving in Utah and joining the Royals, Young played his freshman year at Maui High School in Hawaii. As a freshman in 2020, Young was named to the Maui Interscholastic League All-Star team. Young arrived at Roy in 2022 from Hawaii. Since day one, his unique skills, talent, and work ethic have been evident to the Royals coaching staff and teammates.

“Robert means a lot to our team and has made an impact since he stepped foot on campus,” Head Coach Chris Solomona said. “Since his sophomore year, he has been able to contribute to the program in more ways than one. His high football IQ, his versatility, his vision on offense and special teams helps him create in space and make the most of his opportunities.”

Offseason work

In the offseason, Young keeps his body in peak shape and excels in other competitive sports, including powerlifting and participating in track and field. His work in the weight room shows on the field, as his ability to run inside through tackles and his incredible balance make him very difficult to tackle. Young is an accomplished powerlifting competitor, and his strength and speed enhance his overall athleticism.

Young’s best in the long jump event is 22′ .5″, set as a sophomore and good enough for first place at the Region 2 championship meet. Young has placed in the top 10 in the long jump event in the last two years at the UHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

Senior season

Young has made his mark on his senior season and is on a mission to make this year special for Roy. The Royals are on their way to repeat as Region 5 champions behind Young and an experienced group of skilled and talented players. The Royals are focused and know this is a year to make the state know that a school up north can play with anyone.

“We knew what type of team we were coming into the season and what we could accomplish with all the talent on our team,” Young said. We knew that losing was not an option,” Young said. “I feel like it proves how much talent we have up north. We are always underdogs or overlooked because we’re a pretty small school. Playing for Roy is a statement of how good we can be. We have a lot of hidden gems at our school. We are just proving that by winning.”

Young has been involved in winning at Roy because of his all-around ability to make highlight plays, be an excellent teammate, and be coachable.

“He competes at a high level, he has no fear, and that shows in his style of play,” Coach Solomona said. “His confidence resonates amongst his teammates. It’s one of the main reasons the Royals offensive coordinator, Connor McGuire, has so much trust in Rob to line up in different positions and formations and make big plays offensively. The same goes with his play on special teams and defense, including the 94-yard kick return versus Fremont or the explosive Troy Polamalu-like tackle for loss he had versus Clearfield. He plays a big role in all three phases of the game.”

Playmaker

As an elite punt returner, the ability to earn the trust of the coaches and teammates is more than catching the ball. It involves making split-second decisions with the game on the line. Young excels at being one of the go-to guys who is always ready for the moment as a playmaker for the Royals.

“I can always make plays with the ball in my hands, but I also feel like all of our skills guys can make plays,” Young said. “Our goal as punt returners is to catch the ball first. If you have time to see the ball and run, do so. If you don’t, then call a fair catch. If it’s a bad punt, ensure everyone stays away from the ball.”

Whether it be a run near the goal line on offense or when the defense needs to make a stop, Young has it in him to elevate his game to the highest level. A do-it-all athlete for the Royals, Young knows all eyes are on him when he takes the field.

“The kick return against Fremont is one of my best highlights,” Young said. “It shows how big of a play I can make while muffing the return. Most times, it feels great. You get to put on a show for everyone. There are times when you get nervous a little bit. During that time, thoughts about what happens if you don’t make the play go through your head. You have to ignore that thought and play the game. As long as you are having fun, it’s okay.”

Great first 2 weeks
2-0
4 catches – 101 yds – 2 TDs
4 carries – 108 yds – 1 TDs
2 KR – 150 yds – 1 TD
9 total tackles – 6 solo – 3 assisthttps://t.co/HoR61HMQvn
— Robert Young (@RobertY808) August 27, 2024

Bright future

Young keeps his competitive fire in the classroom by maintaining a 3.5 GPA. His dedication and commitment extend beyond the field with his classroom and community work. Young is always supportive of other school sports and activities. As we have seen with past Royal greats, playing at the next level is possibly in Young’s future, and until then, the fans will continue to enjoy the excitement of game night and seeing Young be at his best.

“Off the field, Rob loves to joke around with his teammates and crack jokes with them and some of the coaches, but on gameday, it’s all business,” Coach Solomona said. “He’s locked in, and you barely get a smile unless he scores, or his teammates make a big play. We have all been fortunate to watch him dominate the way he has the first 7 games of the season. I love watching him play the game he loves, and it gives our team, school, and community a lot to be excited for every week.”

Young understands some teams will underestimate his ability, but he knows his work ethic and production speak for themselves. Like White, Harris, and Kingston before him, opponents quickly discover he is a dynamic player when he steps on the field.