Bills’ Youboty faces questions about health, not his play

By Anthony Bialy  |   Sunday, June 14, 2009  |  Comments( 53 )

Buffalo Bills
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Plantar fasciitis is tough to spell, let alone overcome. Buffalo Bills cornerback Ashton Youboty, who has been coping with the malady since it sent him to injured reserve in early October 2008, knows. The heel pain-causing condition is a maddening problem for a player who’s trying to finally contribute steadily. After limited work during his first three seasons for wildly various reasons, Youboty at least no longer has to prove that he’s a competent defender.

The most exasperating aspect of his abbreviated 2008 was how well he was at last playing. It was pleasantly surprising when compared to his earlier showings. Of course, a family tragedy ruined his rookie season, as he missed most of it after the loss of his mother. Understandably, he floundered upon returning to the lineup.

Next, an ankle injury skunked his second year, although his own woeful play didn’t help. Youboty was indistinctly sluggish in coverage during 2007, and it didn’t look as if he had a lock on a roster spot, much less playing time.

The 2006 third-rounder seemed destined to bust until last year’s preseason slate, when everything suddenly clicked. He settled in and competed like he was comfortable for once, covering ample territory in the nickel spot. Youboty began serving as a nuisance to opposing coordinators who thought they’d get easy first downs with three wideouts deployed.

The Liberia native’s auspicious demonstration carried into the regular season, where he totaled 20 tackles (19 solo) and two pass defenses over five appearances. That’s why his foot injury was particularly frustrating: He was finally playing like a 70th overall pick. Even worse, he spent much of the early offseason watching guys who want to take his job practice at full speed while he hobbled back to good health.

It’s unlikely Youboty will start even after he heals. Terrence McGee of course tops the depth chart, and the Bills seem intent on using second-year man Leodis McKelvin as second cornerback based on how regularly he’s been used during practices so far.

But Youboty will get every chance to once again snag nickel duties. That part-time role plays into his full-time strengths: With extra defensive backs on the field, he’ll enjoy chances to play the instinctual game at which he specializes. With everyone aware that a pass is coming, he can prepare to break on the ball with plenty of help around.

And he should have many more seasons to do so if he can stay on the field. Youboty turns 25 on July 7, which means he still has time to impress. It’s the primary advantage of skipping one’s senior year, as Youboty did at Ohio State.

While ditching school left him behind at the start of his pro gig, Youboty is now up to speed, at least in terms of awareness. He just needs his body to cooperate so he can work back to the form he displayed in last year’s small but positive dose.

Promisingly, Youboty started to work with the rest of the team: He got some second unit time along with a few nickel corner repetitions over the end of voluntary practices and during last week’s mandatory work. It’s a figurative and literal good step. He should be fine as long as his ailment heals by training camp. His biggest challenge is staying healthy long enough; Youboty already proved last season that he’s good enough.
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