Miami Hurricanes give DB Malek Young giant gold chain after interception

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Flashy play earned some flashy jewelry for Malek Young Saturday in Miami's 41-13 win against Bethune-Cookman.

The sophomore defensive back was given a huge gold chain during the victory after making a stellar play, a tradition that "The U" plans to continue this season. The "turnover chain" will be given to players to wear during games this season after they force a turnover.

Young's big play came with 12:40 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes led 38-13 at the time. Bethune-Cookman senior quarterback Larry Brihm Jr. stepped back and tossed a pass toward the end zone. Young turned himself into a receiver on the play, running toward pay dirt and pulling the errant pass in over his shoulder. He then juked out several defenders before being brought down for a 24-yard return.

Following the big play, a coach walked over to the young defender and put the elaborate chain around his neck. The fat chain featured a large "U" emblem.

Young walked over to the bench weighed down by the impressive accessory.

After the game, Miami linebacker Shaq Quarterman told reporters that the chain is real gold.

"There's no facade to it,'' Quaterman said, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "It's Miami style. We don't do fake gold."

"A huge, Miami-style chain,'' he said. "We like flashy stuff like that."

Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said he hadn't seen the chain yet. The idea for the gaudy jewelry came from Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

"Is it [the chain] pretty gaudy?" Richt asked reporters Saturday, according to the Miami Herald. "We're just trying to motivate. It's crazy what motivates them. Even the decals we put on our helmets, they cost maybe 15 cents apiece, but they like them. They like to get them on their hat."

The Canes' coaching staff has been touting Young for some time. He had an interception in every scrimmage since April, before getting another in Saturday's victory at Hard Rock Stadium.

"Every time we scrimmage, he's going to get a pick," Richt told the Herald. "He's got great hands."

The Canes battle Arkansas State at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark.