Canes wide receiver Colbie Young made some key receptions down the stretch against Clemson to help Miami come out on top – he spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon about a number of topics
Emory Williams, the freshman quarterback, recently got his first-ever start, and Young's admiration for the young QB was palpable. "He did really amazing," Young commented when asked about Emory's performance against the formidable Clemson defense. "He did a great job staying composed, keeping his guys into it, and delivering when it was crunch time."
Young himself had some moments of brilliance in the win. Speaking on the experience of having late-game heroics, Young expressed his gratitude to the team for their trust. He revealed, "Having a young quarterback give me a chance to make a good play and coming through with it felt really good."
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Young. He candidly spoke about nursing a knee injury, giving credit to the training room for their role in ensuring his full recovery. "The training room did an amazing job of getting me back fully healthy, and I feel great," he stated.
When asked about the influence of Coach Kevin Beard this season, Young was quick to highlight his coach's high expectations. Beard's philosophy, according to Young, revolves around continuously elevating the standard. "He expects us to meet it and then raises it every week," said Young, "giving our receiver room a weekly way to get better."
Another instrumental figure in the team's dynamics is Shannon Dawson, the offensive coordinator. Young described him as a "player coach" and praised Dawson for being attuned to players' insights. "If players come up to him about certain plays we see on the field, he listens to us," Young revealed.
On the topic of teammates, the name of Brashard Smith came up prominently. Smith's versatility is noteworthy, with Young describing him as a "Swiss-army knife" on the field. But it's not just Smith's in-game prowess that stands out. "Off the field, he's just a funny guy, a good genuine guy. He can make you feel happy about yourself," added Young.
Brashard Smith's style is reminiscent of NFL's Tyreek Hill, according to Young. "Every time Brashard touches the ball, you're expecting him to go to the house," he said, emphasizing Smith's electrifying presence on the field.
As for the upcoming clash against UVA, Young emphasized the importance of preparation and respect, especially after UVA's recent win against North Carolina. "We have to take this game just as serious as preparation, just as Clemson was," he noted.
