Former Oregon State running back J.J. Young dies at 49

J.J. Young (The Oregonian files)
  • 979 shares
By

CORVALLIS – Julius “J.J.” Young, one of the top running backs in Oregon State history, died Wednesday at age 49.

Young’s death was confirmed by an official at Greater Houston Boys & Girls Club, where he was chairman of the board. Cause of death is unknown.

Young, a banking executive, played at Oregon State from 1991-94, all while Jerry Pettibone was coach. Young was a team captain as a senior.

Young ranks No. 12 at Oregon State in career rushing yardage with 2,084 yards. Young was the Beavers’ leading rusher during the 1993 and 1994 seasons.

Young ran for at least 100 yards nine times during his career, tied for eighth in OSU history. Young had three performances of at least 150 yards, topped by a career-high 162 yards against Pacific in 1993.

Mari Bosker, a Boys & Girls Club board director, wrote in an email that “Julius and I had many conversations about his college athlete experience. He always talked about the determination and drive it took and how it helped in many areas of his life. He shared his story with Club members too, and it was inspiration to all.”

--Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

X

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

If you opt out, we won’t sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.