Chase Young, a former Ohio State football player and first-round draft pick, was dealt by the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a third-round selection. Young did not return to the pitch until the end of the 2022 season, having had an ACL injury in 2021. Young had another neck injury during Washington’s opening game of the season before making his way back to the field.
In six games, Young—who was named the 2020 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year—has racked up 15 tackles, 12 of which were solo, and five sacks. Young now teams up with Nick Bosa, the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winner and former teammate of the Buckeyes.
Ohio State football supporters were never able to truly enjoy what could have been in 2018 with Bosa and Young together. During that season, Bosa was a junior and Young was a sophomore. Regrettably, during the TCU game, Bosa sustained a bilateral core muscle injury that ended his season.
Many Buckeye supporters may be left wondering what might have been in 2018 when they see Bosa and Young wearing the same uniform once more. In their respective NFL Drafts, both defensive ends ended up being selected with the second overall choice in the first round.
Bosa has enjoyed a fantastic career that includes three consecutive Pro Bowls and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year title last season, while Young battled injuries after his stellar rookie season. Young’s rookie contract’s fifth-year option was rejected by Washington due to injuries, rendering him a free agent following this season.
Young might be offered a respectable second deal by the 49ers if he and Bosa can work some Buckeye magic for them and help them improve their defensive difficulties. If not, this off-season he will become a free agent. While we wait, we will get to see two of Ohio State’s most successful defensive players in recent memory play together for the better part of a season.
