Secondary depth improved

USF’s secondary seems to have found the perfect balance this spring between youth and experience, something that excites fifth-year senior safety Jerrell Young.

“We look like we’re going to be very deep in the secondary,” Young said. “The young guys have been very active. Mark Joyce and JaQuez (Jenkins) are really coming on strong, they’re playing like starters now … they’re playing above their age. The future is bright with them two.”

Of the two cornerbacks – Kayvon Webster and Quenton Washington – and the two safeties – Young and Jon Lejiste – currently listed as starters, only Young missed a game last year. The group combined for 172 tackles and five interceptions a year ago. Jenkins and Joyce add another 33 tackles and two interceptions into the mix.

Young also attributed the groups’ successful spring to the fact that it is now in its second year playing in the system installed by defensive coordinator Mark Snyder and assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Rick Smith.

“Last year we had a new system and it’s always good when you come into a spring and you know the system,” Young said. “We’re miles ahead of where we were last year at this time. Now, we’ve got 80 different coverages we can run. We’ve got so many blitzes put in and pass defenses, it’s deep.”

Quick hits

Running back Darrell Scott, who was initially doubtful for this Saturday’s Green & Gold Bowl after pulling a muscle in his leg in the Spring Game on Saturday, was back in full pads and participating Wednesday … Former Bulls Dontavia Bogan and Sampson Genus were both at practice Wednesday. Bogan, who worked out for the Seattle Seahawks over the weekend, was wearing Seahawks gear on the sidelines. He confirmed he will workout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday before flying to Houston for a visit with the Texans on Wednesday.