Legacy Recruit Dreams of Following in Father's Footsteps at Clemson

Brett Young has grown up dreaming about playing football at Clemson.

The 2025 in-state linebacker (Clinton) grew up rooting for the Tigers as his father Michael played football at the school back in the 1990s. As he heads into his final season of high school ball, Young is still hoping for an opportunity with the Tigers.

“I’ve always wanted to,” Young told The Clemson Insider. “Because at our house, we always watch every Clemson game and we’re able to go to a few of them. So when I was little, I always thought it would be cool to play on the same team that I’ve watched growing up my whole life.”

Young is a two-sport star, playing both football and baseball, and juggling that kind of schedule can be difficult on high school kids, particularly in the spring.

“At Clinton, we have a football class, so really practice starts at 1:30 pm,” Young said. “So as I play baseball, we’ll go to practice, then lift with the football team, then once school gets out around 3:10, we’ll have to go get our bags and stuff and go down to the baseball field and practice till about 530 or 6:00 pm.”

Young has heard some from defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wes Goodwin, and he’s also hearing from The Citadel, Anderson and Newberry. He’s looking for a school that is active in the community, as Young is always looking to give back.

“I like schools that do a lot of community work and help out,” Young said. “Because schools have stuff that they could give to the community that not a lot of people can. People that can give back to those less fortunate.”

As a junior, Young racked up 69 total tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, according to MaxPreps. The fiery linebacker is hopeful an opportunity to continue his career at Clemson will ultimately present itself.

“That would mean the world,” Young added. “Because my whole life that’s been at the top of my goals. Try to play football at Clemson one day and try to follow my dad’s footsteps.”

The chance of playing at the same school and on the same field as his father is something the talented young linebacker relishes and with open arms.

“There would definitely be pressure but I have kind of had that my whole life so at this point I’m kind of used to it,” said Young. “It really does not affect me that much anymore.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!