Outlaws getting excellent returns on investment in Young

Outlaws coach Aaron Garcia wants to see Gerald Young develop as a wide receiver because that position — rather than returning kicks — will determine what kind of career the second-year pro puts together in the Arena Football League.

But Garcia knows something else, too.

If Young is to get a shot at the NFL, making plays as a kick returner will be his ticket there.

“There, you can specialize as a return guy, and he definitely has that ability,” Garcia said. “I think if he can put enough plays together on film, that would be a big attraction.”

Young gives the Las Vegas Outlaws (2-2) that X-factor with his ability to be a game-changer on kick returns, and his play there could be a determining factor in today’s 7:30 p.m. game against the L.A. Kiss (0-5) at the Thomas & Mack Center.

He certainly changed the game April 4 against the Arizona Rattlers, returning two missed field goals for touchdowns. Those plays helped the Outlaws beat the three-time defending league champions 70-53 for the first victory in franchise history.

The Outlaws knew they were getting that kind of player.

That was most evident in a 59-50 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks almost a year ago when Young played for the Orlando Predators. He was named Playmaker of the Week after returning a missed field goal for a touchdown, catching five passes for 76 yards and two TDs, and making 4½ tackles.

“That game against Jacksonville was pretty much like a coming-out party,” Young said. “My teammates knew that I could make a play for the team. After that, it was all good.”

Young, who is from Naples, Fla., had hoped to stay in nearby Orlando. He worked out for the Predators and Tampa Bay Storm after his playing days at Charleston Southern. Both teams offered him spots on the roster, but Orlando was the first to make a pitch, and he returned that loyalty by signing with the Predators.

He came through with a promising rookie season, catching 24 passes for 355 yards and six touchdowns, but the Predators left him unprotected in the expansion draft.

The Outlaws took him with the ninth pick.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Young said of being left unprotected. “Orlando had plenty of talent last year, especially at the receiving group. So they didn’t protect me, and you know what, it’s all right because I have this wonderful opportunity with the Las Vegas Outlaws right now.

“I’ve never been west of the Mississippi (River) pretty much, but my mom took it worse than I did. I’m all about opportunity, and I want to get to the next level, and I thought this was a great opportunity. I was nervous, but I was excited at the same time. I’m optimistic. I was like, ‘This is a brand new organization. I have to go out there and make a name for myself.’ So that’s what I’m trying to do right now.”

Garcia was happy to give Young that chance, but unlike Young, he didn’t think he would be in the position to draft him.

“We really thought Orlando last year would protect him,” Garcia said. “We were excited to be able to draft him at that point.”

Young (5 feet 10 inches, 170 pounds) proved his worth with those two returns of missed field goals against Arizona, but those have been his only chances this season. Teams often try to convert fourth downs in the AFL rather than kick field goals. He does have a kickoff return for a touchdown and averages 21.3 yards per attempt.

But Young has had trouble staying healthy to give the Outlaws what they need at receiver, leaving one game with a shoulder injury and another with a hurt ankle. That’s why Young has only 10 receptions for 115 yards and a TD.

Garcia, though, knows what kind of talent he has in Young.

“He’s extremely quick,” Garcia said. “I’ll be the first one to say I don’t sign a lot of smaller receivers. For his size, you have to be explosive, and he’s extremely explosive.”

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.