Darrion Henry-Young’s college football journey has taken him across conferences, through injury setbacks, and now-finally-to a fresh start at Virginia. For the former Coastal Carolina and Kentucky defensive lineman, this last stop in Charlottesville isn’t just another transfer. It’s a chance to finish what he started.
Henry-Young entered the portal looking for a program that offered more than just playing time. He wanted a system that fit his style, a coaching staff he could trust, and a culture he could thrive in. Schools like Baylor, Memphis, Duke, and Indiana all reached out, but it was Virginia that checked the right boxes.
“For me, it was a few things-the scheme and whether I’d fit into the program,” Henry-Young said. “I played them last year when I was at Coastal Carolina, and I saw the environment-how much the fans love this place. I also knew I’d have a chance to compete for a job here.”
That game against UVA last season left a lasting impression. Henry-Young logged two tackles in that matchup, but what stuck with him was the energy at Scott Stadium and the way Virginia’s defense played with purpose.
But to understand why this opportunity at Virginia means so much, you have to rewind to 2023. Henry-Young was in the middle of a breakout season at Kentucky when disaster struck. In a primetime SEC showdown against Mississippi State, he tore his ACL-just moments after recording a sack.
“It hurt. Especially the way I got hurt,” he said. “Getting hurt having a sack at Mississippi’s full stadium, at night, in the SEC, and just tearing my ACL just running.”
At the time of the injury, he had already posted 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hurry. His stock was rising quickly. Then, just like that, the 2024 season was gone.
That kind of setback can derail a career. But for Henry-Young, it became fuel.
“That time off made me love the game a lot more, appreciate it,” he said. “I don’t take anything for granted.
I’m blessed that it happened, honestly. Everybody loves a comeback story.
I’m more grateful that last year, I was able to stay healthy and show coaches that I’m not hurt or problematic. I’m ready to prove it.”
He transferred to Coastal Carolina in 2025, stayed healthy, and played in all 13 games. His numbers-eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a quarterback hurry-don’t tell the whole story. He stepped into a leadership role and proved he could be a steady presence on the field again.
And when Coastal Carolina opened the 2025 season against Virginia, he got a first-hand look at what the Cavaliers were building. That’s when the idea of transferring to UVA started to take shape. He also had a familiar face in Charlottesville-former Ohio State teammate Mitchell Melton-who gave him the inside scoop on the program.
“Mitchell told me it’s a great atmosphere and the coaches are great,” Henry-Young said. “Everything I was thinking, he confirmed.”
He also kept tabs on Virginia throughout the season. A couple of games stood out.
“I remember watching the Florida State game live, and I watched the Duke game,” he said. “They play with grit. You can tell those guys have an actual bond out there when they’re playing.”
That bond, that edge, that fight-it all aligned with the kind of player Henry-Young wants to be. And when he sat down with defensive tackle coach Kevin Downing during his visit, he saw exactly how he’d fit into the Cavaliers’ scheme.
“They want to use me on third down,” he said. “I’m a big guy, but I can move. Maybe some pass rush downs, short yardage situations.”
Henry-Young will primarily line up at defensive tackle, but he’s versatile enough to slide outside when needed. His film session with Coach Downing sealed the deal.
“He loves the game,” Henry-Young said. “He played himself, and the way he teaches-he’ll describe it, then show you.
He seems like a good guy. So does Coach Elliott and the rest of the staff.
They’re not egotistical. They all have one common goal.”
That goal? Push Virginia over the top.
The Cavaliers were one win away from the College Football Playoff last season. Henry-Young believes he can help them take that next step.
The strength and conditioning program also played a big role in his decision. For a player coming off a major injury, that’s no small thing.
“The environment, the people here, the facilities-everything,” he said. “I feel like the strength and conditioning coaches have a program that helps guys get stronger without hurting them in the offseason.
That’s important. You spend most of your time with those guys until the season starts.
Their philosophy dictates a lot of what happens with you and your teammates.”
Now, with a full offseason ahead and a new team behind him, Henry-Young is focused on writing the final chapter of his college career the way he always envisioned-on his terms.
“I want them to remember that Darrion Henry-Young was a bad boy,” he said. “And when he stepped on the field, it was chaos.
Chaos. Talent.
And effort.”
For a player who’s battled through injury, transferred twice, and never stopped grinding, that kind of legacy would be well-earned.