Jonsean Young’s Return Energizes Morgan Park’s Football Success

Junior running back Jonsean Young has made a strong comeback for Morgan Park after being sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during summer training. His temporary absence has proven beneficial for his performance on the field. Young expressed his eagerness to return, stating, “I realized how much I missed everything and wanted to be back.” He added, “I never fold under pressure. This is a game I love and have been doing ever since I was little. I just keep going.”

On Saturday afternoon, Young delivered a pivotal 32-yard run, paving the way for his go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. This vital play helped the Mustangs secure a 20-6 victory over Simeon in a Public League Red Star game at Rockne Stadium in Chicago. Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. complemented Young’s efforts by throwing a 54-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Travezz Jones, leading Morgan Park to its fifth consecutive win.

Young’s contribution came early in the fourth quarter when his 1-yard touchdown run broke a 6-6 deadlock. Junior defensive end Milen Porter, who recorded two sacks and made seven tackles, emphasized the significance of Young’s performance. Porter praised Young, saying, “He’s a tough guy who has played through an injury the whole season. He’s physical and he runs really hard. I applaud him.”

The return of Young has infused Morgan Park’s offense with renewed vigor. Junior running back William Smith Jr. set the tone early in the game with a 64-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. Smith highlighted Young’s heightened determination after his return, noting, “As soon as he came back, he had a hungry mentality. He goes hard every single play. Off the field, he’s quiet, a great student, a funny guy who’s great to be around.”

Although this marks Young’s third game back, he has already scored four touchdowns in limited playtime. Against Simeon, Young played the second half, accumulating 61 yards on seven carries. He mentioned the coaches’ cautious approach to his playing time, saying, “The coaches have been careful about my playing time and working me back, but I was fresh when I got in there.”

By his own admission, Young is about 95% healthy, showcasing his excellent burst and cutback ability. He demonstrated his willingness to endure physical challenges, taking on hits between the tackles. Young, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds, is determined to help the team succeed. He said, “Every time I run is a chance to help the team win.”

Young’s reputation as a tough runner has been evident since his freshman year on the varsity team. He continues a family tradition with his cousin, Bucky Irving, a former Hillcrest star now a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Young remarked on his family’s football legacy, “Football just goes back generations beyond generations in my family, with my dad, my uncles, and now Bucky.”

Beyond football, Young nurtures entrepreneurial interests, particularly in designing shirts and clothes. Inspired by his brothers’ activities, he said, “I like to design shirts and clothes. I first learned about it probably three years ago. I saw my brothers doing it and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

Young also has ambitions to play football at the collegiate level, emphasizing the satisfaction he finds in the game, “I want to play in college and make something happen.” He expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the field, saying, “it feels great to be back. There’s so much satisfaction running the ball and playing the game.”

This report is covered by Patrick Z. McGavin, a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.