Hard Work Pays Off: How Wyatt Young Broke Out as One of the Nation’s Top Receivers

STILLWATER — Throughout the last two months, there’s been a lot of discussion about how blessed the Cowboys were to land the No. 7 portal class in the nation.

What sometimes went unsaid was the fact that the feeling went both ways. At least that was the case for North Texas transfer Wyatt Young, who grew up dreaming of playing power conference football.

“I’ve always had the drive to be at this level,” Young said. “As a kid that like, as long as I can remember, I went to A&M games growing up, all the time. I went to any football game that I could. I’ve always wanted to be on that field. I’ve always wanted to be that guy. I never knew how realistic it would be.”

Young carved his dreams into reality when he finished third in the nation with 1,264 receiving yards and 12th in touchdown receptions (10) on 88 catches.

He was a four-star prospect in the transfer portal, ranked 68th or higher nationally by On3 and 247Sports and 17th or higher among receivers.

When asked if any of that success or his jump to power conference football feels crazy to think about, Young said, “yes and no” before elaborating.

“The transition that I took last spring at this time is what made my year last year the year I had,” Young said. “Being able to get out here, understand the route tree, understand how to run different routes, understand where Drew wants me, and at what times. That’s really what took my game to the next level. That’s what I feel like I really thrived on last year.”

Last season’s success is even more incredible considering he split time between receiver, running back and quarterback during high school.

“Wyatt had a great day today, and he just keeps getting better and better playing this position,” OSU coach Eric Morris said after opening spring practice on Monday. “I mean, this will be year three that he’s actually played receiver. He played quarterback all during high school. It took a little bit for him to transition. His jump from year one to year two was just huge. And how comfortable he is in route running, and the ins and outs of really the position that he’s playing now, and how to manipulate defenders.”

Young said he models his game after NFL receiver Cooper Kupp.

“Coach (Nick) Edwards coached Cooper Kupp at Eastern Washington, so he said he saw a lot of the same characteristics,” Young said. “And I’ve watched that guy for a long time. I love the way he’s so explosive, he’s so smart.

“I don’t know if y’all seen that clip of him after the game talking about, there’s a hot blitz, he knew he had one guy to beat on the way to the end zone. Like, that’s just amazing stuff to see. So I want to be that type of game-smart that he was, and I’m trying to get there. That’s my goal for this spring.”

Kupp’s success with his former teammate Matthew Stafford was well documented as a byproduct of the extra time those two put in together, especially in the film room. It certainly sounds like Young gained a lot of his confidence through a similar process during fall camp last year.

“Being able to stick after practices, watch film with Drew and coach,” Young said. “Them teach me different coverages, what they’re expecting, what I’m expected to do. That’s really what took my game to the next level. And that’s when I started like, OK, I can be that guy this year.”

It might be hard to imagine now, but Young wasn’t always viewed as the clear-cut No. 1 option at North Texas. During his freshman season, Young caught 18 passes to finish sixth in total receiving yards with 295.

He had to put in the work, often on his own, last spring.

“Coming out here and just being by myself and being able to take in the field,” Young said. “If you go out and imagine what you’re doing, it makes the difference in the world. It seems weird to do when you’re out there just by yourself, like acting, but it takes your game to the next level.”

This spring, nobody, including Young, questions whether the junior has what it takes to play college football at the highest level.

“Now I know, like I can do it, like I’m that guy,” Young said. “Like I’m the one that they look up to me. So it’s exciting to be here and in this position.”