Then & Now: VY makes his return

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Each week, ESPNRISE.com's Then & Now features three top performers from the past weekend's college and NFL games and takes a look back at their high school careers. This week, we look at Oregon safety John Boyett, who played big in the Ducks' upset of USC. We also look at Eagles playmaker DeSean Jackson and Vince Young's return as the Titans' starting QB.

Oregon Ducks DB John Boyett

Then: Boyett, from Napa (Calif.) High School, was regarded as one of the state's top 'small school' players. He was a Calhisports.com all-state selection while putting up big numbers on both sides of the ball. As a senior quarterback, he accounted for over 3,300 yards and 39 touchdowns. He added 81 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions and led the league in punting, averaging 39 yards per kick.

Now: Boyett is second on the team in tackles with 50 and tied for the team lead in interceptions. In the Ducks' win over USC, Boyett recorded seven tackles.

Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson

Then: Jackson finished his career at Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) with 60 catches for 1,075 yards and 15 scores earning Calhisports.com Mr. Football honors and leading the Jackrabbits to a CIF title. He starred at Cal, racking up 2,423 receiving yards and catching 22 touchdown passes in his career.

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Don McPeak/US PresswireVince Young got his first start since 2008 and led the Titans to their first win of the season.

Now: Jackson was a second-round (49th overall) draft pick in 2008 and set Eagles rookie records for catches and yards in a season. Last week, he hauled in a 54-yard touchdown pass in a 40-17 win over the Giants.

Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young

Then: Young was a three-year starter at Madison (Houston) and compiled 12,987 total yards in his career. He was selected to the Elite 11 QB Camp prior to a senior season and was named National Player of the Year by several publications. At Texas, Young won back-to-back Rose Bowls and led the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship.

Now: Young made his first start since opening day of 2008 and helped the Titans to a 30-13 win over the Jaguars. He was drafted third overall in the 2006 NFL draft and was named Rookie of the Year that season while being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007.

Greg Biggins is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's West recruiting blog and handles player personnel for the Nike Football Training Camps for ESPNRISE.com.

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