The Carolina Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich couldn’t stop gushing about his rookie quarterback Bryce Young following his performance on the first day of rookie mini-camp.
Bryce ended his collegiate career with 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 27 starts as well as threw for 3,328 yards and 32 touchdowns, making him the only QB in Alabama history to throw for 3,000-plus yards in two different seasons.
The Panthers traded wide receiver DJ Moore and four draft picks in this and future drafts to the Chicago Bears to sign the 21-year-old with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the NFL’s fourth-highest player overall in the draft and the highest-rated quarterback.
What did the Panthers HC say about Bryce Young following his rookie camp performance?
The Panthers HC Frank Reich opened up a Friday news conference about their energetic QB Bryce Young saying he showcased athleticism on the first day of the rookie camp with some incredible on-target throws, poise in the pocket, and good decision-making skills.
“I don’t want to overdo it on the first day, but he did everything right, the little throws out in the flat, the little bubble screen stuff that people overthrow—he threw with accuracy, saw it well, knew where guys were supposed to be,” he said.
The head coach also mentioned the No. 1 overall pick from Alabama showed “complete command” of the offense.
“Bryce did not only a good job with himself, but really commanding the huddle, keeping everybody loose, keeping everybody dialed into what we were doing,” he added.
Young earlier expressed his eagerness to get on the field to prove his worth and his excitement could be seen apparently as the QB arrived at the practice field almost one hour before the scheduled start time.
Throughout his career, sports pundits and fans have commented on the 5-foot-10 player’s stature as he is one of the smallest-sized players and would be the first QB under 207 pounds to be taken in the first round since 2003.
Despite the continuous comments, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is ready to set his mark on the football field and made up his mind to send a message on his big day at the rookie camp by showcasing his capability.
“I wanted to set a tone. I was just here trying to get stuff down like we all were. In this rookie minicamp we have talked about the themes of the team, and one of them is making sure we are prepared. I think we all want to make the best first impression that we can.”
The Panthers have been a conveyor belt at quarterback since 2018, albeit the HC’s words of praise are a promising sign for the young QB and the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans are already excited about their new favorite’s potential, and many are calling him the future of the franchise.
The team might be focused on continuing to develop Young’s skills and building chemistry between the young QB and the rest of the offense. However, if his performance in the scrimmage is any indication, it looks like the Panthers may have found their franchise QB for years to come.
