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Usama Young started a game while Sharper was hurt last year, stopped to talk after a brutally hot practice this weekend:

How are you handling this heat?

“It’s real hot. I don’t know the exact temperature, but it’s hot and then you look up and there’s no clouds in the sky, so you have no cloud cover, no overcast. We had a couple of breezes come through, but the breezes started to go.”

How big of an opportunity is training camp for you with Darren Sharper not able to practice right now?

“It’s a big opportunity. I kind of compare it to last year, though, just knowing that you have a chance to compete for the starting role. For the most part I’m just trying to stay healthy and learn every day. That’s been my downfall throughout the years is getting a little banged up early on and having some rough moments in camp. Just staying healthy, that’s my main goal. Last year I ended up separating my shoulder in the preseason. I’m not just trying to survive, though. I’m going all out because usually when you do get hurt, it’s because you are chilling a little bit.”

With all the plays Sharper made last year, is this a defense that sets up for the free safety to get interceptions.

“Darren’s a playmaker. I’ve seen him make plays in various defenses. I won’t just say it’s this defense. (Defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams) throws a lot at the offense and he allows that safety to roam a little bit. That’s Sharper’s specialty, is to be able to roam in that back end and just ball-hawk.”

What is your best strength?

“My speed is my best strength. I try to run to the ball and make some plays. I’m going jumping and make some plays. When I do see the ball in the air, if I can’t get to it I’m going to eliminate the wide receiver. Just being able to run and make plays is my strength.”

How much more comfortable are you at free safety this year, and how do you feel about having extra competition with Malcolm Jenkins being moved to your spot?

“I feel a lot more comfortable, just knowing what is being thrown at me. This is only my second year playing safety, so I know I have a lot to learn. But going into this year it just feels like I know a lot more, so the learning curve is a lot smaller. That competition is going to be great. It’s starting out good right now. Once Darren gets back, it’s going to go full speed ahead. Me and Malcolm are both learning together at the same time getting with Darren and trying to get whatever hints he has to offer. This competition is going to bring out the best in us as players.”

strato

I dont think U.Y makes it this year...

Halo

Fair assessment. Who do you think the starters will be?

strato

Well...i would think Sharper and Jenkins...but i dont know for sure

QBREES9

Maybe just maybe. He's going to come up big in the preseason. This is his 4th year.

Danny Cox

Sharper and Jenkins aren't going to start...that would knock Roman Harper to the bench and I don't see that happening. My belief is that Harper and Sharper are going to start at safety, but sometime during the season we're going to begin seeing more and more of Jenkins out there. Eventually, he's going to take over for Sharper in my belief.

strato

I meant Sharper to start and Jenkins to back him up...that would leave U.Y..out

Pete

Gregg Williams stated something to the effect of..darrens working towards working himself back from his injury while seeing Malcolm doing well!he see's it and I see it coach williams said!hurry up D.Sharper;future threat is a givin'.Usama.. I agree strato

Danny Cox

My fault Strato, read it wrong. I agree though that it appears as if Young is on his way out the door.

Amazing though how anemic the Saints' secondary was as a whole just about two years ago and now it is overflowing with talent.

Saint_LB

Clarify yourself...do you think he makes the final cut?