It’s not very often that defensive players get serious consideration for the Heisman Trophy, but Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is demanding to be taken seriously after dominating Wisconsin on Saturday.
The Badgers came into the Horseshoe at 6-1, and their offensive line was regarded as one of the sturdier units in the Big Ten. Enter Young, who shredded them repeatedly on Saturday in one of the more dominant performances by a defensive player in recent college football memory.
Young demonstrated his remarkable instincts and athleticism with the burst he got from the line of scrimmage on various plays.
That's called get off pic.twitter.com/dXSnvGXzm2
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) October 26, 2019
Young got his fourth sack of the day on that play, forcing a fumble on a rush that gave Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan barely two seconds to even do anything. It was also his second forced fumble and fifth tackle for loss of the afternoon.
CHASE YOUNG IS A PROBLEM.
The @OhioStateFB star picks up his 4th sack of the day, tying a program single-game record. pic.twitter.com/S45u1FaLfF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 26, 2019
Young consistently wiped out Wisconsin blockers one-on-one with astonishing ease. Ohio State reporter Ari Wasserman of The Athletic remarked that Young’s performance Saturday was the best he’d seen in his ten years covering the team.
I know it's getting old and redundant, but man, this Chase Young showing is the single best performance I think I've seen in 10 years covering Ohio State.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) October 26, 2019
Gus Johnson, calling the game for Fox, said on the broadcast that Young deserved to be atop his Heisman ballot. Many commentators agreed, suggesting that Young was the best defender at the collegiate level since Ndamukong Suh.
Gus Johnson on Ohio State DE Chase Young: "I tell you what, partner. I have a Heisman vote. That man, Chase Young, is atop my list."
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 26, 2019
The early-season Heisman candidates were all quarterbacks, but Young definitely deserves a seat at the table. That’s especially true with Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to injury and Jalen Hurts having a rough time against Kansas State.
