Temple cornerback Tavon Young sets the bar high

Temple's Tavon Young is soft-spoken, but he isn't shy about putting the heat on himself. Maybe it comes from playing out on the island at cornerback, but Young's expectations even exceed those of coach Matt Rhule, which are pretty high to start.

Young was asked after spring practice Tuesday what his thoughts were on Temple's formidable cornerback duo, which includes Young and Sean Chandler. The senior-to-be from Oxon Hill, Md., couldn't have set a higher bar.

"We want to be the best in the nation, not just the [American Athletic Conference]," said Young, who had a team-high four interceptions last season.

Rhule's expectations for Young aren't much lower.

"Mentally, technique-wise I expect him to be one of the better corners if not the best corner in the league this year," Rhule said.

Young has not been at full speed this spring after recovering from minor offseason surgery to his left knee. Recently he has been wearing the yellow jersey in practice, which indicates Young is prohibited from contact.

Young reports no problems with his knee. Other than the yellow jersey, he says there are no reminders that he was hurt in the first place.

"After the surgery my confidence came back quickly and I was ready to run," Young said. "The first day of spring ball [March 23], I was ready to go, but they just worked me back slow."

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Young says he has made the most of not being able to have contact.

"With the yellow jersey, I can't touch receivers and that helps me running with receivers and it helps me with my footwork to get better," he said.

Rhule said that Young and other seniors-to-be are mentoring the younger players.

"I think the spring has been good for him," said Rhule, whose team will play the Cherry and White game Saturday. "He has had a chance to learn and coach the young guys and has gotten a lot of reps without stressing or injuring his knee."

While Young feels great moving around on his knee, it is his mind that has helped him make so many big plays, which included an interception and a fumble return for touchdowns last year.

"He really understands what opponents are doing before they do it and he will be calling out routes before they run it, just based on their splits," said linebacker Tyler Matakevich, who has started 30 games at Temple. "He is an awesome teammate and tremendous player."

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