Willie Young (defensive end)

Willie Young is an American football defensive end for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack at the North Carolina State University.

Early life
Young was born on September 19, 1985 in Riviera Beach, Florida. He attended Palm Beach Gardens Community High School, where he played basketball and football as a defensive lineman and ran track. As a junior in 2003, he recorded 60 tackles including 15 for loss and nine quarterback sacks. As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles including 25 for loss and 12 sacks. Scout.com rated him a three-star college prospect, and he accepted a scholarship offer from NC State. Young has an younger brother name Avery Young who plays offensive lineman for the Auburn Tigers.

College career
Young attended North Carolina State University, from which he received a bachelor's degree in science and technology. He sat out the 2005 season on redshirt status. In 2006, he played in all 12 games including five starts and recorded 44 tackles including 24 solo and five for loss, one pass broken up, five quarterback hurries, and one interception returned 34 yards for a touchdown. In 2007, he saw action in all 12 games including eight starts. He recorded 16 tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hurries, and broke up six passes. In 2008, he started 12 games and recorded 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 26 quarterback hurries. The NFL Draft Scout rated Young the 18th-ranked defensive end of the 182 available for the 2010 NFL Draft and projected him as a fifth or six round selection.

2010 NFL Draft
Young was selected by the Detroit Lions as the 213th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season inactive for all but 2 games. He played 14 games in the 2011 season.