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Chase Young explains mindset, going for strip-sacks vs big hits as a pass-rusher

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Chase Young’s remarkable season produced a top-five finish in Heisman Trophy voting for Ohio State’s star pass-rusher.

Truly a dominant force, Young put up 44 total tackles with 21 for loss and 16.5 sacks. Based on those numbers alone, Young was an elite and disruptive force for one of the nation’s top defensive units.

There was one other wrinkle to Young’s game that really made him an added terror to opposing quarterbacks. That is the seven forced fumbles produced by Young, especially coming in strip-sacks.

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During a sitdown interview for ESPN’s College GameDay, Young discussed his mindset when it comes to rushing the passer. When it comes to making a shift in the game, Young opts for trying to get the ball out as opposed to making the big hit:

“You never have time to think, but I’m just so honed in to get the ball out,” said Young. “You see the Penn State game, No. 7. I could have whacked him from behind, but I went in there trying to get the ball out.

“The big hit is cool, but to change the game and strip the ball out…I feel like that changes the momentum of the game.”

After recording at least half a sack in his first nine games, Young was held somewhat in check without recording a sack in the final two games of the season. Hopefully, he can break out of his mini-slump against Clemson and star QB Trevor Lawrence.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.