Young eyes more big plays at safety
Seminole Ridge grad had two picks in C-USA title game.
BOCA RATON — While some of his teammates wore down late in the season, Florida Atlantic safety Jalen Young played with rejuvenated spirits.
After having struggled with minor injuries, Young — one of the Owls’ four captains and a first-team All-Conference USA selection — improved and played his best ball late in the season.
“I feel good, fresh legs,” Young said. “One game left, you gotta give all you got.”
Young, a junior, set a career high with seven interceptions this season, two of which came in the Owls’ 41-17 win over North Texas in the conference championship game. While Young’s total tackles have dropped from 100 last year to 70 this season, the Seminole Ridge graduate emerged as more of a shutdown safety under safeties coach Corey Batoon.
Coach Lane Kiffin said he didn’t pay too much attention to Young’s bruises because he returned to the field on the next series each time.
“He’s not a real big guy playing there, kind of more a (cornerback) body,” Kiffin said of the 5-11, 185pound Belle Glade native. “But because he plays so hard, he’s so physical, and obviously great ball skills, that’s why he’s a really good player.”
Already with more interceptions this season than he totaled in his first two years (five), Young could be in for more against Akron quarterback Kato Nelson in Tuesday’s Boca Raton Bowl.
Nelson has thrown only two interceptions in 125 attempts, but the redshirt freshman also is completing less than 49 percent of his passes.
Bryant likely out: Sophomore tight end Harrison Bryant, who leads the Owls with five receiving touchdowns, is not expected to play in the Boca Bowl.
Though Kiffin expressed optimism in not ruling him out, Bryant has worn a protective boot at practice.
Sophomore John Raine (five catches for 27 yards this season) would likely start in Bryant’s place.