Football: Samson Young is set for first start on Friday for Birmingham

Samson Young, 6 feet 6, 330 pounds, made his football debut for Lake Balboa Birmingham last week at offensive guard. He had about 15 snaps, and Coach Jim Rose was so pleased that Young will get his first start on Friday against Van Nuys Grant.

Young, a sophomore known more for his basketball skills, is still learning the position.

“He’s got a long ways to go,” Rose said.

But the potential is there to become a standout.

“You’re not going through him,” Rose said. “He’s just raw. He has to learn how to play football. He’ll get a lot more snaps this week.”

Rose said he believes Young will keep getting better.

“If he sticks with it, there’s no doubt he’s a scholarship kid,” Rose said.

-- Eric Sondheimer