Key Tennessee Vols player explains why he's not skipping the Orange Bowl
Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Byron Young announced last week that he's foregoing his final season of eligibility at UT to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Young also announced that he'll be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers. On Tuesday morning in Miami, Young was asked why he decided against skipping the Orange […]
Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Byron Young announced last week that he's foregoing his final season of eligibility at UT to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young also announced that he'll be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers.
On Tuesday morning in Miami, Young was asked why he decided against skipping the Orange Bowl.
Young told reporters that he was determined to finish what he started at Tennessee.
"Just basically finishing what we started," said Young when asked about his decision to play in the Orange Bowl. "Being committed to my team. And going through with everything I said I was going to do. It's just a hard pill to swallow knowing this is the last game."
"So I didn't want to miss out on it," added Young. "You know, finish it with my brothers. And it's a big week, so I want to be there for them and support them and play my best game."
Young also said that going ahead and making his NFL decision has taken a weight off his shoulder and allowed him to fully focus on preparing for Clemson.
The Tennessee pass rusher also noted that offensive lineman Darnell Wright's decision to play in the bowl game had an impact on his decision to play against Clemson (Wright is heading to the NFL as well after the season).
Having Young available against the Tigers will be big for the Vols. If Tennessee is going to beat Clemson, they'll need to consistently be able to get pressure on true freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik. Young
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
