Chris Young, a 2010 Auburn High School graduate, was named the Western States Football League and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Young, a sophomore outside linebacker with Arizona Western College, tore up the WSFL this season, notching an impressive 101 total tackles, including 41 solo and 29 for a loss. Young also had 8 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He also showed an uncanny nose for the end zone, even as a defensive player, scoring four touchdowns on fumble recoveries and once on an interception return.

Young’s performance helped led the Matadors to a 11-1 record and the school’s third straight WSFL title. Their only loss this season was a 55-47 defeat at the hands of East Mississippi Community College in the El Toro Bowl.

Young, who played safety and running back in high school, recently made the shift to outside linebacker for Arizona Western.

Last season as a freshman, he notched 57 tackles, a sack and two interceptions at safety.

Young was originally slated to play football at the University of Washington, but low grades and SAT scores derailed his NCAA Division I plans. In a previous interview, Young said he hoped to attend and play football at UW after two years at Arizona Western.

“I’m going to transfer to UW after this, I’ve still got my eyes on UW and nothing else,” he said.