He has taken full advantage in capitalizing off his name, image, and likeness, but it has not derailed Bryce Young’s focus.
Despite him nearing seven figures in NIL endorsements, Nick Saban and Young’s teammates do not see this unprecedented situation in college football becoming a distraction for him. John Metchie (wide receiver) and Phidarian Mathis (defensive lineman) accompanied Saban at SEC Football Media Days on Wednesday in Hoover, Ala. Both players are excited for Young’s opportunity to market himself; however, the excitement has been geared more to the sophomore’s potential this season.
Mathis, a fifth-year senior, said Young has ‘stepped up’ and has ‘become a leader.