STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | Jan. 25, 2026 — For Colbie Young, the East-West Shrine Bowl represents far more than another stop on the pre-draft circuit. For the University of Georgia wide receiver, the week-long showcase has become a moment of reflection, gratitude, and opportunity as he prepares for the next chapter of his football journey.
Young, who has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, is one of dozens of prospects using the Shrine Bowl as a platform to introduce himself to NFL decision-makers. Practices throughout the week have placed him in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 teams, offering an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate his physical traits, polish his technique, and show his resilience after a winding collegiate path.
“This week means everything,” Young shared while speaking at the Shrine Bowl. “Just being here, competing with the best guys in the country, it’s a blessing. I’m thankful for the opportunity and for everyone who believed in me along the way.”
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Young immediately stands out during drills. His size gives him a natural advantage on contested catches, red-zone fades, and boundary routes, while his length allows him to shield defenders and present a large catch radius for quarterbacks. During Shrine Bowl practices, Young has consistently flashed his ability to win one-on-one matchups, drawing the attention of evaluators who value physical receivers capable of contributing early in specialized roles.
Young’s road to this stage, however, has been anything but conventional.
His collegiate career began at Lackawanna College, a junior college pipeline known for developing overlooked talent and preparing players for Division I opportunities. From there, Young transferred to the University of Miami, where he continued to refine his game before ultimately landing at Georgia, one of college football’s most competitive and talent-rich programs.
That transfer journey shaped Young both as a player and as a person. Competing at multiple levels and in different systems forced him to adapt quickly, earn trust in new locker rooms, and learn how to maximize limited opportunities. By the time he suited up for the Bulldogs, Young had already experienced the grind of fighting for relevance in a crowded receiver room.
Georgia’s environment demanded accountability and consistency, traits that have translated well to the Shrine Bowl setting. Coaches throughout the week have praised Young’s professionalism, preparation, and willingness to absorb coaching — critical qualities for prospects attempting to stand out in a short evaluation window.
Young’s path has also included adversity off the field. In October 2024, he was suspended following an arrest on charges of battery and assault of an unborn child. The charges were later reduced, and after a review process, Young was reinstated to the Georgia program in March 2025. While the situation marked a difficult chapter, Young has acknowledged the importance of accountability and growth, emphasizing maturity and responsibility as he moves forward.
NFL teams, long accustomed to weighing both talent and background, are closely observing how prospects respond to adversity. For Young, the Shrine Bowl offers a chance to redirect the conversation toward football, preparation, and personal development.
“He’s handled himself well this week,” one evaluator noted. “You see the size immediately, but you also see a guy who’s focused, locked in, and taking coaching seriously.”
The East-West Shrine Bowl has long served as a proving ground for players seeking to elevate their draft stock. For more than a century, the game has helped launch the careers of football legends such as Tom Brady, Walter Payton, and John Elway, while more recent standouts like Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers, and Isiah Pacheco used Shrine Bowl exposure to accelerate their rise to the NFL.
Beyond its football significance, the event carries a mission that resonates deeply with many players. Proceeds from the Shrine Bowl support Shriners Children’s, helping fund specialized pediatric care for children facing complex medical challenges. For Young, that aspect adds meaning to the experience.
“It’s bigger than football,” he said. “Knowing this game helps kids and families — that puts things into perspective. I’m proud to be part of something like that.”
As practices continue and game day approaches, Young remains focused on maximizing every rep. While the NFL Draft remains months away, the Shrine Bowl represents a critical checkpoint — one where impressions are formed, relationships are built, and momentum can shift.
For Colbie Young, the week is not just about showcasing size or catching passes. It is about validating a journey defined by persistence, learning, and gratitude — and proving that he belongs on football’s next stage.
