Kansas University defensive end Kevin Young runs through warmup drills with the defense during practice in this file photo from April 12.

Last week, when Kansas University football coach Turner Gill released his post-spring depth chart, red-shirt freshman Kevin Young was penciled in as a starter at defensive end.

After a tumultuous recruiting process that had Young debating between Big 12 North powers, the 6-foot-2, 256-pound defensive end appears to be poised for a breakout season.

Young, rated a four-star defensive end by Scout.com, came to Kansas in the spring of 2009 after graduating from Olathe North in December, 2008. He red-shirted his first year and was able to bulk up, get to know the players and coaches and adjust to life in Lawrence.

Young also has had to transition to a new coach.

“It’s a fresh start for everybody,” Young said. “And because I came in here last year, it’s a fresh start with me, too, so I’m definitely glad it worked out like this.”

Throughout high school, Young said he wanted to play defense for the Jayhawks. But a visit to Lincoln, Neb., for a football camp nearly changed his mind, and Young found himself leaning toward spending his college days playing for coach Bo Pelini at Nebraska.

After laboring over the decision for a few weeks, Young informed Pelini of his intention to commit back to Kansas.

A year later, he hopes to make an immediate impact on the KU defensive line.

For those who line up next to him, Young’s improvement this spring has been hard to miss. With returning starter and honorable mention All-Big 12 performer Jake Laptad sidelined for most of spring drills because of injury, Young had an opportunity to emerge.

“Kevin Young has turned it up a lot,” senior defensive tackle Jamal Greene said. “I’m just looking for (the entire defensive line) to have a good year.”

Senior cornerback Chris Harris also said he liked what he saw from Young this spring, particularly with the mental side of the game.

“He’s been learning the defense very well and catching on,” Harris said. “They’ve been throwing a lot of stuff at us real fast, so he’s been catching on and doing good. He’s definitely improved a lot.”

So will Young be extra excited to line up against Nebraska in Lincoln this fall for the Jayhawks?

“That’s definitely the plan,” Young said. “But I’m excited to play any Big 12 team.”