JET PRESS EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley

Oct 20, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(11) makes a move after making a catch against the New England Patriots during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets’ offense went through a lot in 2013. There were injuries, inconsistent play, and a revolving door of wide receivers. Through it all, a consistent force has been Jeremy Kerley. He has developed into quite the slot wide receiver, with able hands that are a value to whomever is playing quarterback.

Thanks to the Jets, Jeremy Kerley stopped by to spend a few minutes talking about the team and his off-season so far. Take a look at our conversation:

THE JET PRESS: Thanks for taking the time Jeremy. So, how have you been spending your time this off-season so far? What have you been up to?

JEREMY KERLEY: I mean, you know, just spending time with my family. I can’t get enough of that during the season so. Spending time with my daughter, my son, we just had a new baby, so, spending quality, quality time with them. Been coming down to visit with my Mom a little bit.

Now I am back in the grind of things, trying to feed my body better. You know, work smarter, work harder. Just getting ready for this 2014 season.

TJP: Being on the field with him all season long, talk about the development of Geno Smith. How did he improve himself as the season went along, in your opinion, watching him from the huddle?

JK: Towards the end of the season, he definitely started to skyrocket, he showed potential. I’m a fan of Geno, I like what he does. You know I am out there with him every day so I am kind of biased towards him. He’s a great athlete, he’s a great quarterback, he’s turning into a good leader. I think that everything he did towards the end of the season is going to propel him into the 2014 season. I think he’ll be a good leader, and I think he’ll do all right. He will be a good quarterback in the years to come.

TJP: I am sure you listen to the talk around the team about how they need to upgrade the offense, how they need receivers…do you take that as motivation to you, that people are forgetting about you a little bit, or can you ignore that kind of a thing?

JK: I don’t know. I kind of let it go in one ear, let it rattle around a little bit, and then go out the other. People are always going to have their opinions. I mean, I use everything around me as motivation to go out there and work hard. You know, they say we need receivers, that’s a reason for me to go out there and grind. Any little thing I can use as ammunition I definitely use it. I mean, it’s part of the game, you know. Whether it’s true or not, that’s not for anybody to say. That’s not for anybody to point their fingers on. I think our staff upstairs will go into the draft and do a good job at wherever they think key guys are at. I’m not too much worried about it.

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

TJP: Marty’s offense, how do you think it plays into what Jeremy Kerley does on the field? How does it enhance your skill set?

JK: I love it, man. It gives me the freedom to go out there and be myself, be Kerley running around back at TCU. It allows me to play the game. That’s what I love about his offense. I think that’s what a lot of people love about it. It gives you the opportunity to go out there and be creative and be yourself. I thank him for that, and I hope we stay together for a while.

TJP: Watching you guys when Mr. Johnson came into the locker room to announce that Rex was coming back, I don’t know that I have ever seen that kind of party about a coach. What is it about this guy? Why do you guys love him the way you guys obviously do love him?

JK: I think it’s more of a respect factor. In life, you kind of respect the people that are real to you, and who don’t sugarcoat to you, they tell you how it really is. At the end of the day, a lot of guys respect him for that. I, myself, I definitely respect him for the way he loves the game. He obviously loves winning, and when you got a guy like that, it’s natural that everybody is gonna want to be around him. He’s a good coach, and outside of coaching he’s a good person to be around.

To put it in words, he’s a good dude.

Thanks very much to Jared Winley from the Jets PR staff for getting us together, and thanks to Jeremy Kerley for taking some time to talk to us.