KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville native and South-Doyle High School alum Elijah Young has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, his high school football team reported Sunday morning.
On Friday, Young spoke with 6 News as he was hoping to get picked up during the NFL Draft. The final round of the draft ended Saturday night without a team picking up Young, but his high school shared their excitement for him being signed the following morning.
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“From South Knoxville to the NFL – we couldn’t be more proud! Can’t wait to watch you shine at Arrowhead Stadium!” the South-Doyle High School football team wrote.
The senior running back just completed his final season at Western Kentucky University. Before he played there, he completed three seasons in the SEC at Missouri before joining the Hilltoppers in 2023. During his final season, Young was a starting running back in all 14 games during WKU’s 2024 season, and finished the season with 1,267 all-purpose yards and 883 rushing yards.
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Young isn’t the only player with East Tennessee ties who has signed as an undrafted free agent this week. Former Vol walk-on Will Brooks signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Two Tennessee defensive linemen also signed as undrafted free agents: Elijah Simmons signed with the Arizona Cardinals and Omari Thomas signed with the New Orleans Saints.
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