Young (nicknamed Big Marker), graduated from Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Missouri, in 1994. He played as a two-way tackle, receiving All-state and All-conference (twice) honors. He was a teammate of future NFL player Isaac Byrd. He practiced basketball and participated in the school's choir.
He accepted a football scholarship from Kansas State University, where he was named the starter at left tackle as a sophomore. He received All-Big 12 honors as a senior. He played in the Cotton, Fiesta and Alamo Bowls.
Young was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. He started the last 7 games at right tackle as a rookie, after Jason Fabini was lost for the season. The next two years he was the regular starter at right tackle and helped to block for All-Pro running back Curtis Martin.

Return to Ryan Young Autograph Profile