McQueen’s York named Player of Year

McQueen football coach Ken Dalton knows what kind of player he’d want to try to build a program around.

He was lucky enough to have him this season in Tyler York.

York scored 33 touchdowns as a running back and helped anchor an outstanding defense from his strong safety position as the Lancers captured their sixth state football title since 1990.

For his efforts, York was named the Class 4A Player of the Year by the Review-Journal on Wednesday.

“If you wanted that complete player that played every play like it was his last, he would be a No. 1 draft choice and the kid that you’d base your entire program around,” Dalton said. “From leadership to work ethic to academics.

“He has that real ‘it’ factor that you really look forward to.”

The 5-foot-11-inch, 196-pound York rushed for 1,907 yards and 32 touchdowns for the Lancers. He also caught 26 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown.

York, a senior, had some of his biggest games against the toughest competition. He rushed for 175 yards or more in all three of McQueen’s Northern Region playoff games, then ran for 112 yards in McQueen’s 13-12 win over Palo Verde in the state title game.

“He’s just a tremendous competitor,” Dalton said. “He’s the kind of guy that every coach loves. And he played banged up. He never complained and was a real, real tough, tough player.”

York had 65 tackles from his strong safety position. His versatility allowed Dalton to play him at outside linebacker in some schemes.

York also had six sacks, broke up five passes and intercepted one.

“He’s an outstanding defensive back,” Dalton said. “He’s very instinctive, very versatile and a great tackler.”

Dalton has no doubt York could succeed at any number of positions at the college level. He’s already made a position switch in high school after spending two years as a quarterback.

“I really think he could be a running back for some teams,” Dalton said. “I think he could be an outstanding H-back, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he can play strong safety.”

Now York just needs to find a college that’s willing to offer him a scholarship.

Dalton said many schools have shown interest but none has offered a scholarship.

“I’ve been in the business 40 years, and these coaches are really missing the boat on this kid,” Dalton said. “This kid can flat compete.

“I’ll tell you, he is the most competitive, intelligent football player that you could ever find.”