NFL CAREER – A heady and athletic defensive back, Young proved his worth to the Saints right off the bat, leading the team in special teams tackles as a rookie in 2007. The first of the club’s two third-round picks in ’07, he made 20 stops in kick coverage and added 10 more as a reserve defensive back, playing in 14 games on the year. With a full offseason under his belt to develop his craft, Young looks to challenge for more playing time in defensive sets while promising to continue to play a key role on the special teams units.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed to a three-year contract, 6/11/07; Selected in the third round (66^th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft.

2007 – Played in 14 games, contributing greatly on special teams as well as when called upon as a reserve cornerback…Led the team with 20 tackles on special teams and added 10 stops on defense, along with two pass defenses…Made his NFL debut in season opener at Indianapolis, Sept. 6, recording two special teams tackles…Saw first action on defense against Tennessee, Sept. 24 and had broke up a pass attempt…Established a career-high with three tackles on defense against Atlanta, Oct. 21, a mark that he would later match Dec. 23 vs. Philadelphia…Missed a pair of games (Nov. 11 vs. St. Louis and Nov. 18 at Houston) with a hamstring injury…Had a season-best three special teams stops in the Philadelphia game.

COLLEGE – Regarded as the one of the top defensive prospects to emerge from Kent State in recent years, Young was a four-year starter who opened 37 of his 45 career games…His career totals include 198 tackles (129 solo), three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, nine interceptions with 21 yards in returns, 21 pass defenses and a blocked kick…Was a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy in 2006, which recognizes a college player for his combined success in academics, football performance and community leadership…A second-team All-Mid American Conference selection with a career-high 60 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, three forced fumbles, six pass defenses and a blocked punt as a senior in 2006…Started seven games as a junior and had 50 tackles (30 solo), adding two interceptions and three pass defenses…Posted 39 stops (28 solo) and had three interceptions for 57 yards in returns in his sophomore season…Named honorable mention freshman All-American by College Football News after starting nine of 12 games and notching 49 tackles (32 solo), two interceptions, eight pass defenses and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2003.

PERSONAL – Health and Physical Education major…Attended Largo (Md.) HS, named second-team all-state as a senior after recording 65 tackles and five interceptions…Earned four letters in track and three each in football and baseball…First name is pronounced oo-SOMM-uh…Resides in Largo, Md.