Miami Hurricanes WR Colbie Young: I’m back 100 percent off knee issue, coming through late in game Saturday “felt really good”

If big-time players come up with big-time plays in big-time moments, well then WR Colbie Young was pretty darn big-time in Miami’s game against Clemson on Saturday night.

In the fourth quarter Young’s 11-yard TD catch cut Clemson’s lead to 17-14 with eight minutes to play, and then on UM’s next possession after he dropped a pass he had a 16-yard grab to convert a third-and-13 followed by a 25-yard catch three plays later to convert a third-and-eight. That set up Andy Borregales’ game-tying field goal with 1:51 remaining.

Then, in the second overtime, Young converted a third-and-three with a three-yard catch to set up a first-and-goal from the three. A play later Ajay Allen was in the end zone for what turned out to be the winning score.

Young converts key third down with leaping grab vs. Clemson

Yes, Young had four catches for 55 yards starting with eight minutes to go in regulation; prior to that he had a total of two receptions for 21 yards.

“It felt really good having the team trust me to make plays, a young quarterback giving me a chance to make a great play,” Young said.

On the season Young has 29 catches for 394 yards and four TDs. That is third-best on the team behind Xavier Restrepo (54-600-4) and Jacolby George (31-467-5).

Young’s been a bit banged up, but he provides a physical presence who can overpower smaller cornerbacks and go up and get the ball.

“Had a little knee injury, banged up, (trainers) did a great job getting me back and I feel great,” Young said.

Young also weighed in on the play of true freshman QB Emory Williams. With Tyler Van Dyke out injured, Wiliams ended 24-33 for 151 yards with a TD and interception, but in that final quarter and overtime combined he threw for 78 yards with a TD.

“He did really amazing,” Young said of Williams. “Everyone thinks he did really well. He did a great job staying composed. Very positive, did a great job delivering when it was crunch time.”

Young is part of a Miami offense that ranks No. 10 in the nation in total offense, No. 22 in rush offense, No. 24 in passing offense and No. 15 in scoring offense.

“(Coordinator Shannon Dawson) is a player’s coach,” Young said. “If players come up and ask him about certain plays, certain things you like, he listens to us and definitely tries to put it in the game plan. He’s not scared to take shots or settle back and let the guys run the ball. A very well balanced coach, very smart.”

Now Virginia is the next challenge for Miami. The Cavaliers are coming off a stunning upset win at No. 10 ranked North Carolina (which had just beaten Miami last weekend), 31-27. Virginia won despite allowing 490 yards (347 passing), so the Canes could have some opportunities to make plays. This is a team that has just seven sacks in seven games (3.5 from Kameron Butler).

Virginia lost its first five games of the year, including to James Madison, before winning the last two vs. William & Mary and UNC.

“We have to treat every game with full respect,” Young said. “We knew before the UNC game that they are a very good team.”

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