Usama in his old number. (Photo Source)

“Usama’s an incredible talent.  He runs in the 4.3's and jumps 43.  All he needs now is the opportunity to translate that athleticism onto the field.  My man led the team in special teams tackles as a rookie and looks to build on that success in 2008.”

That is how Usama Young's agent Nate Haber describes his talented player. Which is good, because Usama will certainly need to display all of his skills later this summer in training camp while battling for a spot at one of the most hotly contested positions this offseason, cornerback. Recently, CSC had a chance to talk with Usama. The following is what we discussed. Hope you enjoy.

CSC: First of all, what’s with the number change? You went from 38 to 28.

Usama: I played 3 years in high school wearing 28, and my last year they lost my #28 and they gave me #18, and throughout my college years I just stuck with 18.  But then the Saints gave me 38.  I stuck with 38 for the year because I wasn’t thinking about a number.  I was just thinking about making my mark.  Now it’s time to go back with my #28 from high school.

CSC: How did you spend your offseason? Do anything fun, exciting or different?

Usama: Mainly traveling and seeing family.  That was how I wanted to spend my first offseason.  I hadn’t seen my brother in Cali in a while, my grandma in NY, my family in Maryland.  Got to spend time there and in Indy with my mother.  Went to Ohio to see some old friends and teammates, and of course, Vegas for my brother’s birthday celebration.

CSC: Who has stood out so far this offseason at OTAs and minicamp?

Usama: We’ve made several changes on D.  The offense is still going for the big play.  Everyone’s playing more aggressive.  Everyone’s working harder.  Basically, everyone’s doing their thing.

CSC: Are you ready for training camp…and the heat?

Usama: I’m definitely ready for it, excited about it, but at the same time I’m gonna enjoy my time off.  It’s pretty hard to prepare for the heat, but you know it makes you stronger going through it.  I’m more excited to start the season.

CSC: What’s your favorite part of training camp? What’s your least favorite?

Usama: Favorite part is when we break meetings at night (laughs).  When we get to go back to the dorm room and lay back down.  The least favorite is the early morning wakeup call.  Once you get out on the field it’s all fun and competition though.

CSC: Cornerback is one of those positions that everyone will be watching with the hopes that it will be improved and it’s a tight, crowded race. You nervous?

Usama: No man, just excited to start the season.  We know that everyone’s watching the secondary.  We know people look at it as a weakness.  So we have to go out there and turn it into a strength.  When you’re in the secondary, you always gotta be on your toes.  We gotta play like we’re the best and prepare like we’re the best.

CSC: Have you been learning a lot from veterans like Aaron Glenn, David Patten or Mick McKenzie?

Usama: Aaron Glenn has been very helpful.  His route recognition is great.  You can see him on the field, he knows where the receiver is gonna go.  D. Patten, I ask him for advice and his knowledge because he has gone against the best in his career, so he’s been helpful.  He’s given me advice to help me get to the next level.  And Mike has been helping me since I arrived last year.  He’s been critiquing me this offseason and helping me improve my game.

CSC: A lot of people, including myself, think you show a lot of promise and that this could be your breakout season. I assume you agree?

Usama: It definitely could be.  Thats what I’m looking for, that’s what I’m preparing for.  I’m preparing to do great things.

CSC: The front office was pretty aggressive this offseason; signing some key free agents, twice moving up in the draft and giving certain players the big contracts they wanted. How is everyone in the locker room feeling about this season? I don’t want to jinx it but, ya know, is this the year?

Usama: Everyone is feeling good, yes.  We've been working hard and we want it to pay off.  The front office has been making moves and hopefully it helps to improve upon last year.

CSC: What game do you have circled on your calendar this season?

Usama: We've got a few. We get to go out to London, my first time overseas.  I get to go home to Washington to play the Redskins.  People been hitting me up already about that game.  Green Bay and Denver, I get to see one of my former teammates from Kent.  Like you said, it’s gonna be an exciting year.  And that game in London, man I can’t wait to play out there.

CSC: What has been your most memorable moment as a Saint so far?

Usama: That first game against the Colts when I stepped on the field.  It was like “Wow, I’m here.  I’m finally here.”  It’s what every kid dreams of, playing football and playing at the highest level.  I wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school.  I went to a small school at Kent State and people thought we didn’t play against elite talent.  Then I wasn’t invited to the Combine.  But then being drafted 66^th overall was an amazing feeling, and then finally stepping out there for my first professional game was incredible.  I was in awe.

CSC: Who is the toughest receiver you have faced? What makes him so tough?

Usama: Steve Smith.  He runs great routes and is untouchable in the open field.  He blocks well for a smaller receiver.  His motor is always running.  I go up against some of the best, too, everyday in practice, but yeah, I’d have to say Steve. 

CSC: Were you nervous about what to expect coming to play for the Saints in New Orleans after the storm?

Usama: No, I looked at it as an opportunity to help a city on the rise and playing a major role in helping them rebuild.  As a member of the Saints, we’re part of the community.  We help others who have suffered.  They have gone through more than you could ever imagine – losing their houses, their loved ones.  I wanted to help these people, including my sister who was staying out there too. 

CSC: Who is the most fun in the locker room? Who are the leaders?

Usama: Man, there’s so many leaders.  Let me think of the characters... Mike McKenzie’s a character.  Charles Grant, he’s a character.  We got a whole lot of different clowns on the team who keep us loose.  They keep a smile on the guys’ faces.  There’s a lot of leaders too.  Drew’s a great leader, he’s a hell of a player.  Will Smith is one of those leaders by example, constantly working.  David Patten leads.  Marques Colston leads.  Deuce is another, just to name a few.  We have a ton of guys who do a great job on this team.

CSC: What is your game day routine?

Usama: Night before, calling my father and praying.  Watch some film.  I make sure I get to sleep early for a noon game.  We get a wakeup call at 7am.  Eat breakfast with the team and head to the stadium.  I’m a candy fiend, so gotta have some Skittles before the game.  Get to the field early for warm-ups and drills, stretching, talking to some of the guys and then going out there and making it happen.

CSC: What are your favorite activities to do in New Orleans?

Usama: Gotta say eating.  They got so many restaurants down here. 

CSC: What do you think about the food down here? Whats your favorite restaurant?

Usama: They’ve got great seafood down in this city.  My favorite restaurant is Montrel’s Bistro.  They better give me some free food from now on (laughs).  It’s a small, family-owned spot with a lot to choose from.  Great food.

CSC: Anything else you want to say or let Saints fans know?

Usama: Looking for a Superbowl this year, baby.  New Orleans deserves it.  We truly do have some of the best fans in the country.  Everywhere we go, there are Saints fans supporting us.  We really appreciate y’all and hope to make the city proud this year.

CSC would like to thank Usama Young for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and we wish him luck in training camp and the upcoming season. For more info on Usama check out his official website.

In what may well be the final installment of CSC's Saints and Music Series we bring you an interview with Marcus "Red" Hubbard trumpet player for Soul Rebels Brass Band. Marcus is a die hard Who Dat and his answers were short and sweet, but they say everything that needs to be said.

The band standing outside of Le Bon Temps their weekly haunt, located on Magazine St. (a71.ac-images.myspacecdn.com)

CSC: How long have you guys been Saints fans?

MH: All my life.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?

MH: The first playoff win.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe London?

MH: I hope.

CSC: What do you guys do on gameday?

MH: Bar-B-Q at the house.

CSC: Who are you favorite players and why?

MH: Reggie Bush. He is "the man."

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?

MH: Real good.

CSC: What do you think about the Saints new draft class?

MH: I think they will fill some needs.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?

MH: Deuce!!!!!!!!!!

CSC: Who do you think will step up as the number two receiver behind Colston?

MH: Meachem.

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?

MH: D-Line

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?

MH: 11-5

CSC would like to thank Marcus and the Soul Rebels for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions. You can catch them at Le Bon Temps nearly every Thursday night or check out their website.

The guys after an awesome set at Jazz Fest.(via www.satisfiedproductions.com)

The third installment of CSC's Saints and Music Series features the funkier than funky, Papa Grows Funk. CSC had a chance to get some answers from singer/organist Jon Gros, saxaphonist Jason Mingledorff, and bass player Donald Ramsey. Check out what these die-hard Who Dats had to say about their favorite football team, including their draft analysis, 2008 record predictions and a cool Steve Gleason tidbit.

CSC: How long have you guys been Saints fans?

JG: Practically all my life, but I would say a die hard for the last 25 years.

JM: Since moving to New Orleans, the same year Ditka came.  Boy, that was surreal!

DR:  20 plus years.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?

JG: Listening to my aunt complain about Russell Erxleben, Morton Anderson kicking a winning field goal against Dallas on Monday Night Football I think in 1988. I was jumping up and down by myself in my kitchen. And Steve Gleason’s block during the Atlanta Falcons Monday night game in 2006. I was screaming, crying, laughing, in total awe.  By the way, Steve Gleason stopped by the Maple Leaf later that night, real late, as we were jammin’ onstage.

JM: The best one so far was the playoff game that we beat Philly in.  The Dome was alive and Deuce was unstoppable!

DR: The whole 2006 season, unforgettable.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe London?

JG: I go to as many games as possible given or touring schedule. Maybe Mickey Loomis and Tom Benson would see the need for some REAL New Orleans music accompanying the team to London.

JM: I'd love to go to London, but don't have any scheduled.  

DR: Maybe 2-5 games or so.  None in London.

CSC: What do you guys do on gameday?

JG: If we are touring, we watch the game wherever possible and if we are driving we listen loudly on Sirius satellite radio. Its wonderful to hear Jim Henderson’s voice while driving through Colorado. If  we’re home and not going to the game, I’ll grill some chicken wings and get down to some serious watching. If I’m at the game, I’d like to apologize to the women and children sitting near me.

JM: We're usually on the road, spreading the New Orleans funk around the country.  We've got NFL ticket on Sirius radio so we never miss the game.

DR: Just suit up baby!!!!

CSC: Who are you favorite players and why?

JG: Drew Brees, Willie Roaf, Deuce McAlister, Sam Mills, Hoby Brenner, Marques Colston. They shut up and give 110% to their team and their city. They take their jobs serious as role models and their actions are their words.

JM: Marques Colston, because of his work ethic. He's not flashy and immature, and his hands are like glue.

DR: Deuce McAllister. He exemplifies what we, as fans, are all about. Colston too!!!!

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?

JG: I’m encouraged, but I’m always encouraged.  This is gonna be THE year.  I believe we have a better team this year than at the end of last year, but I’m concerned about getting two injured linebackers who are making comebacks. [Note by Saintsational, This was before the announcement of Dan Morgan's retirement. ]

JM: They were okay, but they should have gotten some more cornerbacks.

DR: Neutral. Like the Vilma pickup, however....

CSC: What do you think about the Saints new draft class?

JG: We got the run stuffer we needed and hopefully that will ease the pressure on the cornerbacks.

JM: Better than last year...

DR: We blew it.  Hopefully I'm wrong. Like the DT but we left a lot on the table.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?

JG: Deuce, Reggie and Carney

JM: Deuce!!!!

DR: Hopefully Deuce...It could've been Matt Forte'(wishful thinking).

CSC: Who do you think will step up as the number two receiver behind Colston?

JG: I wish I could say Robert Meachem, but I can’t. It’s gonna be David Patten.

JM: Definitely not Meachem.

DR: Reggie Bush, if we use him right....

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?

JG: Can our cornerbacks cover man to man without Mike McKenzie? Can we bring the heat to the quarterback? Will Vilma and Morgan make an impact? Can Deuce contribute on the field? Can we stay healthy?

JM: Focus. Don't forget the basics. Teamwork. Don't let Fred Thomas or Jason David play.

DR: As always, a healthy Drew Brees.

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?

JG: 10-6

JM: Yes, 10-6

DR: 10-6, 9-7

CSC: Since you guys have been so generous in taking your time to answer these questions, you have any albums or upcoming shows you want to plug?

JG: We’ve been getting attention for our latest CD, Mr. Patterson’s Hat. It can be found at the Louisiana Music Factory and also online at www.papagrowsfunk.com. People can hear us every Monday night at the Maple Leaf Bar, uptown down on Oak St.

JM: Every Monday at the Maple Leaf.

CSC would like to thank Papa Grows Funk for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer our questions and for their help in keeping New Orleans funky. Keep up the great work!

The second installment of CSC's Saints and Music Series features Benjy Davis of the Benjy Davis Project. If you are one of the unlucky few not familiar with his work, you may know him from his catchy song in that Abita commercial. Here is what he had to say about his favorite football team, the Saints, and their upcoming season. Enjoy!

Benjy Davis serenading the Jazzfest crowd this year. (Photo Source)

CSC: How long have you been a Saints fan?
Benjy Davis: Longer than I can remember…I was steeped in it as a baby. My dad made sure I knew about the Saints before I knew about football.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?
Benjy Davis: Tons…I remember when I was in 5th grade or so and the Saints were on a 10 game winning streak and I was sure we were going to the Super Bowl. Obviously we didn’t but I remember that excitement.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe London?
Benjy Davis: I wish, but that would kick my American dollar in the balls.

CSC: What do you guys do on gameday?
Benjy Davis: We’re always out of town but we have done some pretty crazy things to make it to a TV. We've driven through the night more than once.

CSC: Who are you favorite players and why?
Benjy Davis: Drew Brees is the leader for sure.  

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?
Benjy Davis: Honestly, I haven’t had the time to pay attention this year. I guess we don’t have the satellite package like Fred.

CSC: What do you think about the Saints new draft class?
Benjy Davis: I don't know. Fred never calls.

CSC: Do you know Fred LeBlanc?
Benjy Davis: We run into those guys (and girls) all the time, from New Orleans to Wisconsin and some funny places in between, so we've hung out quite a bit. They're good people.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?
Benjy Davis: Probably Reggie Bush, unless McAllister heals up but Reggie Bush seems confident.

CSC: Who do you think will step up as the number two receiver behind Colston?
Benjy Davis: Did we get rid of David Patten?

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?
Benjy Davis: Whether or not we can guard the receivers with our current defensive backs. Don’t hit me

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?
Benjy Davis: Fah…10 and 6?

CSC: Since you guys have been so generous in taking your time to answer these questions, you have any albums or upcoming shows you want to plug?
Benjy Davis: Back To The Beach May 31st in New Orleans. If I may try a catch phrase for the event: "Don’t be a bitch, come back to the beach."

CSC thanks Benjy Davis for taking his time to answer these questions and wishes him and the band continued success. Check out the bands website at BDP Music for all the latest info.

New Orleans is a city chock full of culture. While the Saints are a huge part of that culture, there is so much more. My other favorite thing about New Orleans that I love almost as much as the Saints is the local music scene. I can often be found at local music clubs like Tipitina's, The Maple Leaf, House of Blues etc. on a regular basis. Since everyone in this city seems to care at least a little bit about the black and gold, it stands to reason that some of our talented musicians are loyal Who Dats as well. And so I thought what a great idea to blend the two staples of New Orleans culture on CSC by interviewing well known local musicians about everyones favorite football team. This will be the first installment of Canal Street Chronicles' Saints and Music series and it starts off with Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth. Hope you guys all enjoy.

Fred rocks it out in a Saints jersey during the10th Annual Music Midtown Festival May 3, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. Via jamd.com.
 

CSC: I know you guys are huge Saints fans. Tell us about the bands relationship with the team.
Fred LeBlanc: Well, who has lived in New Orleans and not been a Saints fan?
I had some friends on the team, Kyle Turley and Jerry Fontenot. Kyle
Turley's wife and my girlfriend are very close friends going back many years
and I helped Kyle and Jerry stage a benefit music show, along with Cam
Cleeland, right after 9/11. Doug Bryen, Jake Delhomme, and many other
players have been counted among the CM faithful.

CSC: How long have you been a Saints fan?
Fred LeBlanc: On and off, all my life. iIsay off at some times because being
a touring musician, I wasn't always able to follow the games like I have
wished to. Now we have the satelitte sports package on the bus and we watch
every single game.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?
Fred LeBlanc: So many. I guess, for me personally, the moment I remember
most was playing on Poydras Street right before the first Atlanta game of
the golden season. we played a fun show in front of 10,000 or 15,000 people who
were going crazy. You could just feel the excitement in the air. I kept
saying that the Saints were the team to beat that year, simply because I
wanted it so bad. That turned out to be the beginning of the greatest Saints
season... so far.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe london?
Fred LeBlanc: We are hoping to play at a game this year and often our agent
books a concert or two so that we can be in the same town as away
games...London would be perfect!

CSC: What you do on gameday?
Fred LeBlanc: Usually we're on the road so on Sundays we fire up the
satellite on the bus so we can catch the pregame shows. Then we usually stay
glued all day.

CSC: Who is your favorite player and why?
Fred LeBlanc: I'm a Brees fan. When the city needed him to deliver, he did.
That's why I usually wear Brees' jersey when we play. As a tribute to both
the team and the great city of New Orleans.

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?
Fred LeBlanc: Certainly the moves that the Saints have made over the last
several years have for a fantastic team. I don't know enough about
individual positions to have an opinion on whether the recruits and draft
choices will be better than the players currently in those
positions...remember I just beat drums for a living.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?
Fred LeBlanc: I'm a lot more optimistic than some of what is printed.
Personally, I think Deuce can come back as strong as ever and that Stecker
is a first string running back. I also think that this will be the year that
Reggie adjusts to the NFL.

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?
Fred LeBlanc: It seems like they made some acquisitions for positions that
got picked on last year by other teams.

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?
Fred LeBlanc: Nah, but I can tell you that if our tour schedule works out,
my regular season record will be 6 or 7...the number of games I hope to
attend.

CSC: Since you have been so generous in taking your time to answer these
questions, do you have any albums or upcoming shows you want to plug?
Fred LeBlanc: We have gotten a lot of comments from Saints fans about a
line that I use in a song called 'Avenue.' The song is on our last cd but the
version in our dvd has the line I'm referring to...and even though that
dvd was shot in Los Angeles, a bunch of fans showed up waving Saints banners
during that song.

CSC would like to thank Fred Leblanc and the band for taking time out of their busy schedule and answering these questions. Keep rocking guys! For more info about Cowboy Mouth, check out the bands wesbsite.

via farm3.static.flickr.com

Recently, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to ask a few questions of Indiana cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator, Joe Palcic, about his former player, Saints second round draft pick Tracy Porter. If the Palcic name sounds familiar, you will know why in a second. Here is what we discussed...

CSC: Coach Palcic, you have some ties to the New Orleans Saints, would you care to elaborate?
JP: Yes, my father coached for the Saints under Jim Haslett from 2000-2005.  He coached the TE's. My parents enjoyed living in New Orleans.  My brother-in-law is Mark Simoneau who currently plays LB for the Saints.  Coach Payton, Coach Kromer, and  Coach Dalyrmple were all my coaches when I played at Miami ,OH.  So yes, I have quite a few ties to the New Orleans Saints.

CSC: Have you spoken to Tracy since the draft? Is he excited? He is a local boy.
JP: Yes, I have spoken to him many times. I have had him over for dinner since the draft.  He is very excited! There is no other place he would rather play.  Growing up the Saints were his favorite team.  He is excited to play and be so close to his family.

CSC: With help needed at the cornerback position, do you think he will make an impact on this team in his first year?
JP: Yes, I think he has the talent to be a starter in the NFL. Only time will tell if he can do it as a rookie.  He will definitely see the field and contribute as a Nickel and on Special Teams.

CSC: What scheme best fits Tracy’s style of play?
JP: Tracy can be successful in any style of play. He is best matched up on a wide receiver whether it be in a man or zone scheme.  He is a true cover corner.

CSC: What are Tracy’s strengths as a player?
JP: He has the best combination of speed, agility, feet, hips, ex.. that I have ever seen.  He is a great athlete.  He also has great ball skills that allow him to make plays on the ball.

CSC: What are his weaknesses?
JP: Tracy really has no glaring weaknesses. He continues to improve on the physical aspect of the game. He must be an effective tackler in the NFL. I think he will do great.

CSC: What is Tracy like off the field and in the locker room?
JP: Tracy is a strong leader that does so by example. He was one of our two captains at Indiana. Off the field he was never in trouble, he did well in school and graduated in four years. His personality is easy going and quiet.

CSC: Is Mark Simoneau excited about the upcoming season? There is going to be plenty of competition.
JP: Yes he was excited to sign a new contract and play for the Saints organization again.  He likes and respects his coaches and teammates.  There is competition every year in the NFL, but Mark is the ultimate professional. He will be ready to compete.

Canal Street Chronicles would like to thank Coach Palcic once again for taking time out of his schedule to sit down and answer these questions. We wish him and his team the best of luck next season.