3/22/2023 football Edit

Avery Young & Christian Izien talk Rutgers Football Pro Day

Craig Epstein • TheKnightReport

Staff Writer

With the NFL Draft set to kick off on April 27, defensive backs Avery Young and Christian Izien discussed what they are doing to prepare for the big day and reminisced on their times on the banks.

"I'm going to get these numbers back first and foremost and then it's time to train," Young said. "Whatever happens at this point happens, I did my best and I'm going to be ready when the opportunity comes."

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Young wrapped up his Rutgers career as a 2022 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and was selected to the All-ECAC Defense for the second time. However, he also knows in order to make it to the next level he will have to continue working on his craft.

"I would say overall I have to work on everything," he added. "Everything has to be tuned and sharpened up. I was never the top track kid in the nation so that will probably be my next step, I want to get as fast as possible."

Young also showed why he was viewed as a leader for the Scarlet Knights as he made 54 career starts, the most by an offensive or defensive player in program history, and ranks 10th all-time with 326 tackles.

"I think it shows my longevity," Young explained. "I think it shows that my play style is tough, hard-nosed, and aggressive. I love the game and was blessed enough to not miss too many games or snaps so I think I'm the kind of guy they're looking for."

The Coatesville, PA native also credits head coach Greg Schiano and his staff for not only his success, but feels his NFL background has helped him and many others get to the next stage in their careers.

"I can't say enough about them," Young said. "Coach Schiano having that experience of being an NFL head coach I think sets us apart from a lot of other universities. We get so many little details and knowledgeable points that allow us to see the bigger picture of the game and a better understanding of what the next level looks like."

Similar to Young, Izien was named a 2022 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention along with a 2022 defensive Co-MVP. He also finished his career making 41 consecutive starts and became the 14th player in program history to surpass 300 career tackles, collecting 303 overall.

"It was a great experience being out here with my teammates again," Izien said. "It was good to see all of the teams out here and perform in front of them."

Izien also was thankful to have been able to train alongside some other fellow Scarlet Knights in the NFL who helped him get ready for what the next stage brings.

"Just having a bunch of pro guys come here and train in the offseason, guys that I model my game after and watch, and being able to have a conversation with them about pro day and the next level has been great," he added. "I've been blessed with the opportunity to train somewhere with them. I feel like they did a great job preparing us for today."

Now preparing for his next journey, the Far Rockaway, NY native feels his time spent in Piscataway only helped him get to where he wants to go.

"Coming in as a clueless freshman thinking I deserved to play and not really knowing the ins and outs of football, I would say my biggest step was from 2018-19," Izien said. "Being thrown into the fire in 2019 and starting nine games that season I feel was my biggest jump in learning the system and how to be a leader. It's been a blessing to play with the guys I've played with and have the opportunity to learn from them."