WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Dave Young, an All-American and Purdue Football's all-time statistical leader by a tight end, passed away November 21 at the age of 64.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Young was a four-year starter for the Boilermakers (1977-80), setting Purdue tight end records for receptions (180), yards (2,316) and touchdowns (27). His 27 receiving touchdowns still ranks second in school history regardless of position. Young also cracks the Top 10 in receptions (sixth) and receiving yards (ninth) despite the sport of football evolving and increasing the passing game since his playing days.
Young was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree (1979, 1980), and the Purdue tight end was named team MVP as a junior before becoming an All-American as a senior. Leading the Boilermakers in 1979, he helped Purdue win 10 games, the most victories by the program in a single season which still stands today. During his 1980 senior campaign, Young became the first tight end in college football history to lead the nation in pass receptions (6.1 per game) with 70 catches for 959 yards. That outstanding season earned Young consensus First Team All-America status alongside his quarterback, College Football Hall of Famer Mark Herrmann.
Following his collegiate career, Young was drafted in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He also spent time with the Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts from 1983-84. Twenty-five years later, Young was enshrined in the Purdue Athletic Hall of Fame.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Young was a four-year starter for the Boilermakers (1977-80), setting Purdue tight end records for receptions (180), yards (2,316) and touchdowns (27). His 27 receiving touchdowns still ranks second in school history regardless of position. Young also cracks the Top 10 in receptions (sixth) and receiving yards (ninth) despite the sport of football evolving and increasing the passing game since his playing days.
Young was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree (1979, 1980), and the Purdue tight end was named team MVP as a junior before becoming an All-American as a senior. Leading the Boilermakers in 1979, he helped Purdue win 10 games, the most victories by the program in a single season which still stands today. During his 1980 senior campaign, Young became the first tight end in college football history to lead the nation in pass receptions (6.1 per game) with 70 catches for 959 yards. That outstanding season earned Young consensus First Team All-America status alongside his quarterback, College Football Hall of Famer Mark Herrmann.
Following his collegiate career, Young was drafted in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He also spent time with the Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts from 1983-84. Twenty-five years later, Young was enshrined in the Purdue Athletic Hall of Fame.