Transcripts of interviews with selected Jets players after Saturday's morning training camp practice:
LB VERNON GHOLSTON
On feeling any added pressure to perform…
I've already been here going back to even last year. It's the same pressure. Obviously, they brought me in to be a player there and it's the same pressure, it's that same goal in mind. That was always my goal. But I guess this gives me a chance to actually step in and do it.
On having to seize the opportunity…
I definitely have to step in and be a starter at that point. Whatever happens before games happens, but at this point you have to be the starter.
On assessing last season…
It's really tough to say. The biggest thing for me was getting in and learning the system. Obviously, there were drawbacks. Did I do all I wanted to do? Probably not. But the biggest thing for me, I never look back on the past, I always look forward.
On having to prove something…
I know I can play. The coaches know I can play. It's just all about, like I said, getting in the defense, knowing what I'm in, knowing what I play, what I've got going on, and stepping up and doing it.
RB SHONN GREENE
On if he is happy about being a Jet…
Oh, definitely. I think it's a great coaching staff and the players are great. Everybody looks after one another. It's like a brotherhood so it's very, very special to be here.
On who he goes to for advice…
I pretty much try to talk to everybody. I was talking to BT [Bryan Thomas] today. He's a defensive guy. You think you wouldn't be learning something from a defensive guy, but he gave me a couple of pointers, so like I said, everybody on the team.
On if he's having fun…
Yeah, I mean it's football. Who doesn't have fun in football? If you're not having fun out here you shouldn't be here. I don't know what else to tell you.
WR BRAD SMITH
On the opportunity to have a breakout year…
With the opportunities I have, I try to go out and make plays with them. I believe that's what I've done over the last few years. This year, hopefully, I will get more of those and just get in that flow of the game when you're in the grind. That's when I'm at my best, not in and out but when you get in that flow and get a feel of the game. That's where I love to be.
On QBs Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens…
They're doing well. It seems like that first day, the coaches threw a lot at them and they just came and rattled it off. You've got Kellen, a smart guy, strong arm, who knows the offense. He's been controlling it. He's doing a great job. You've got Mark, who's got that live arm, he's got a great personality, he connects with the guys. It's a good competition. I really think — it's not just a cliché — that the best guy that wins is going to help this team win.
S JIM LEONHARD
On the lateral to Lito Sheppard after his interception near the end of practice…
I don't know if the Jets fans have seen that. I've played with [Ravens S] Ed [Reed] for a year and we're going to try to put it in the end zone however we can. We have a lot fun, especially in practice. You might see that on Sundays. It's a little Ed Reed. You never know when the ball's going to come out. Now I know Lito has the hands, so I have one guy to pitch it too.
On Coach Ryan's reaction to plays like that…
He wants you to score. If you get it on defense, there aren't too many offensive guys that are used to tackling, so you want to keep it alive and get in that end zone. Obviously, you have to know situations. You're not going to do that certain times, but he's big on defense. If you get your hands on the ball, get it in the end zone, and he's willing to do that any way possible.
