For USF's Young, Shrine game is time to shine

On the final play of his University of South Florida football career, Jerrell Young rushed hard off the edge. He extended his body and lunged to block a West Virginia field-goal attempt.

"Just missed it,'' Young said.

The kick was true.

The clock read 0:00.

West Virginia prevailed, 30-27. The Bulls were eliminated from bowl-game consideration. USF's season was done.

For a few seconds, Young just laid there on the turf.

"But I got up pretty quickly,'' he said. "One thing I've learned, when you get knocked down, you've got to get up.''

On Saturday, Young can rise and shine during the 87th annual East-West Shrine Game, which makes its first appearance at Tropicana Field, about a 10-minute walk from his home. As a safety for the East team, Young will be cheered on by about 50 family members and friends.

Once, he was academically ineligible to enter USF after signing a scholarship. He swallowed his pride, sat out one season and raised his test scores. Last month, he walked across the stage with a communications degree, becoming his family's first college graduate.

"He stuck with it,'' said Young's father, Leroy. "He knew what he wanted, and he worked for it. He became a man.''

Young, 6-foot-1, 209 pounds, wants a shot at the NFL. Since the month began, he has trained in Miami. Nearly two weeks ago, he came home for the weekend as a surprise to his fiancée, Jasmaine West, who was expecting their first child. A few hours later, she went into labor.

Young witnessed the birth. He cut the umbilical cord. Now he looks into the eyes of Jerrell Jr. and sees the future.

"It's a blessing,'' said Young, a former Gibbs High School standout. "He makes me want to become the best person I can be.''

Football can become Young's livelihood. Already, he has shown uncommon big-play ability. In 2010, his interception helped set up USF's victory at Miami. In last season's opening game, his strip of Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray created a fumble and a 96-yard touchdown return by Kayvon Webster. Later, Young made a key interception, helping to preserve USF's 23-20 win.

"Jerrell is doing well, and he seems to pick up things very quickly,'' said former NFL defensive coordinator Larry Peccatiello, who coaches the East team's defensive backs. "You can tell it means a lot to him.''

Especially today.

"I know Jerrell must feel incredible right now with all these great things happening for him and getting to showcase himself in his hometown,'' said former USF offensive lineman Jeremiah Warren, who also plays today for the East team. "It makes me feel good to see his familiar face. Before we go off into the world, we get one more game together.''

Young said he's determined to make it a great one.

Twenty-four years ago, Leroy and Annie Young named their son Jerrell because it sounded like "Jor-El,'' father of the fictional Superman character. Young can't fly, and he doesn't wear a cape. But he's still a hero to his family.

"I can't look back with any regrets because I got to stay home and play for USF,'' Young said. "I wish we would've won more games this season, but it just didn't happen. They've got a lot of talent coming back, so I wouldn't be surprised if they won (the Big East Conference) next season.

"Right now, I feel like I've got to play my best game. I have an opportunity in front of me. If the football works out, it's all perfect. I feel like I have a whole new life. I'm happy.''

Rise and shine.