Bill Young has waited nearly six months to see Kansas University’s newcomers on a football field.

He’ll finally get the chance today when the Jayhawks begin preseason practices.

“We’re really excited to see them,” said Young, KU’s defensive coordinator. “It’s a little bit of an unknown.”

What is known is that Kansas had the worst defense in the Big 12 Conference last year in head coach Mark Mangino’s first season. The staff attempted to improve their returning players during spring drills and summer conditioning.

They also sent a clear signal to the veterans during recruiting. Despite having three returning starters on the defensive line and three more in the secondary, Mangino’s staff brought in nine junior-college transfers on defense — three linemen, three linebackers and three defensive backs.

“We need help in all areas,” Young said. “We have people coming in all areas. We recruited to our needs. We have to see how it pans out.”

The newcomers should provide plenty of incentive to veterans during preseason camp.

“Even if the guys we recruited don’t come in and start, they’ll push those guys and make them better,” Young said.

Transfers being counted on to make an immediate impact include defensive ends Chuck Jones (6-4, 275) and Monroe Weekley (6-4, 256), nose tackle Phil Tuihalamaka (6-3, 323) and linebacker Gabe Toomey (6-4, 235).

“It’s hard to project,” Young said. “We think we’ve done a good job recruiting, but until you get out on the field there’s always questions.”

The secondary could get a boost from the arrival of sophomore Nick Reid (6-4, 220). KU’s fourth-leading tackler and top returning tackler was moved from linebacker to safety to make room for sophomore linebacker Banks Floodman (6-3, 230).

“Nick Reid is too good a player to be in a backup role,” Young said. “We’re trying to find ways to feature Nick and allow him to be where the ball is. He’s probably more suited to linebacker, but he’s an outstanding athlete. He might not be the strongest or the fastest, but he’s always aware of what the offense is trying to do. We’re very impressed with his knowledge of the game.”

Kansas opens Aug. 30 with a home game against Northwestern.