Geno Smith is Ready to Work for the New York Jets

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Geno Smith (West Virginia) is introduced as the number thirty-ninth overall pick to the New York Jets during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

After three days of drafting, clearly one guy is the man of the hour. His name is Geno Smith. John Idzik has been very clear about the fact that there will be competition at every position on the field, and quarterback is no different. The QB position will be a wide open competition, no matter which combination of QB’s are still on the team come training camp.

Whether you are happy about the move or not, you must be happy with the attitude that the young man is coming in with. We’ll talk about that, using quotes from his recent time with the New York media to illustrate.

Look at what Smith had to say when asked what type of quarterback he brings to the team:

Well, I want to come in with the right mentality, I want to come in and work and I’m going to make sure I put my best foot forward. I’m going to be dedicated and try and come in and be a leader, try and help my team get better and win games.

See, even given the chance to himself legitimate complements, he couldn’t do it. He had to take it back to being about the team.

Does he expect to start?

I just want to come in and compete. I’m going to come in with the right mentality, as I stated. I’m a competitor and I’m going to accept my role on the team, whatever is handed to me, but my job is to compete day in and day out.

After finally admitting he thinks he is a franchise QB, he was asked what it is about his game that makes him a franchise qb:

I possess many qualities and I just think that it’s up to me to continue to improve daily. My game is not based on one single thing, but I think it’s based on a number of things. So as long as I can continue to improve and prepare I think I’ll be fine.

Again, here is a guy that is being asked to politely talk about his game, and couldn’t do it? How refreshing. Hopefully this level of humility will continue.

So, what does Geno feel he needs to improve on most?

As of right now, everything needs to improve. At the age of 22, at this point in my career, I think my best football is far ahead of me. I know for a fact that I’m here to put the work in and I’m going to work diligently to improve every single aspect of my game both mentally and physically.

For what it’s worth, John Idzik would not guarantee that Mark Sanchez will be in camp even, much less on the team. Here is what Idzik said on that:

As of right now, everything needs to improve. At the age of 22, at this point in my career, I think my best football is far ahead of me. I know for a fact that I’m here to put the work in and I’m going to work diligently to improve every single aspect of my game both mentally and physically.

You can see that Geno is clearly ready to work, and ready to do it right. It is nice to listen to someone who doesn’t feel like the world owes him a favor.