Notre Dame Football: Wide Receiver Micheal Young transfers to the Cincinnati Bearcats

Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Michael Young has announced that he will transfer to the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Young started fall camp as a starter for the Irish in 2019, but a collarbone injury set him back a few weeks. Once back, he played in 3 games and caught 6 passes for 21 yards. For his career at Notre Dame, Young caught 17 passes for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Rumors of a possible transfer surfaced the week of the Michigan game, and even though Young could have played that game and still retained a year of eligibility, he left the football program.

His departure, although not as loud, reminded me of when Demetrius Jones left the team in 2007 and ended up in Cincinnati.

The 5’11” 190 pounder from Louisiana will now go to the Queen City to play for Luke Fickell — but more importantly — former Irish assistant coach Mike Denbrock. Young told Tom Loy with Irish Illustrated that Denbrock played a big part of his decision:

“The impact Denbrock had on this decision was huge. From the time he sat in my living room when I was a 17 year-old to now, we’ve always connected. Football was just one of many things we talked about and I’ve always respected that. I’m excited to play for him, not only due to our relationship off the field, but what he’s doing with the offense there at Cincinnati. I definitely see where I fit and I like what I see. There’s a great opportunity there, especially with him leading the charge, and I’m excited.”

Michael leaves South Bend with his Notre Dame degree in hand, and as a graduate transfer, he will be eligible to play right away for the Bearcats. He has two years of eligibility remaining.