Ask Carl White about standout lineman Tiger Youngman and the first words from the Lake Placid High School football coach is that he wished Youngman could play for the Dragons for another year or two.

“I wish I could have him longer,” White said.

Lake Placid concluded its 2020 season in mid-November with a playoff loss to Lemon Bay that left the Dragons with a 2-7 record. The wins came against Evangelical Christian-Fort Myers and St. John Neumann-Naples.

Youngman, the only Seminole on the squad, no doubt could be categorized as a late bloomer considering how he stepped up his game as a senior and made an immediate impact right from the start of the season.

“He was a phenomenal force for us,” White said. “It didn’t take long for him to become the heartbeat of our team. He came ready to go every single day.”

Youngman’s toughness was never in doubt. Despite playing part of the season with a shoulder injury, Youngman never wavered and never complained, White said.

“Tougher than nails,” is how White describes the 5-10, 250-pound Youngman.

Youngman compiled impressive numbers on defense with about 60 tackles and was among the team leaders in sacks.

“He made a name for himself,” said White, who added that some colleges are interested in signing him. “Rightfully so. For us, he was a fantastic defensive lineman.”

Youngman also saw action on offense at fullback. He was used primarily as the lead blocker out the backfield. A highlight reel on the MaxPreps website shows Youngman consistently opening holes by outmuscling opponents. He also caught some passes and turned short receptions into big gains.

Youngman, son of Rita and Frank Youngman, not only made a good impression on the field, but off it as well.

“He was always great to be around. Very polite and well-mannered,” White said.

Youngman’s athletics career at LPHS isn’t over yet. He’s a first baseman and pitcher on the baseball team.