Football recruiting: South-Doyle RB Elijah Young commits to Missouri over Tennessee, other SEC schools

Elijah Young returned this past weekend from his official visit to Missouri and knew it was the place for him.

Young, a South-Doyle running back and three-star college prospect, committed to the Tigers on Tuesday, picking Missouri over four other SEC programs — Kentucky, Mississippi State and South Carolina and Tennessee.

"I went down for a visit and it was a great place," Young said. 

Young said he "fully respected" Tennessee. 

"I just felt good with where I was going," he said.

Missouri finished 8-5 in 2018, losing to Oklahoma State 38-33 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Young said he appreciated the honesty from the Missouri coaching staff regarding where he fit in.

"They are not going to lie," said Young, who was recruited as a running back. "They told me I was going to have to go in and earn everything. I know that growing up."

Young, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound athlete, finished second in the 200-meter dash and third in the 100 last month in the TSSAA's Large Class track and field state championships. However, he does not plan to compete for track championships next season.

Young said he will sign during the December early signing period and enroll at Missouri in January. Commitments are nonbinding for both the school and the athlete. The early signing period is Dec. 18-20.

Young rushed for 684 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Cherokees. He is labeled as an all-purpose back by 247Sports and has 16 Division I scholarship offers. He is the No. 15 recruit in Tennessee, according to the 247Sports Composite. 

South-Doyle finished 7-4 in 2018, losing to Tennessee High 24-17 in the opening round of the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs.