NY Jets: Calvin Pryor developing into quite the leader

On the defensive side of the NY Jets, safety Calvin Pryor is developing into a leader that is making an impact one hit at a time.

Heading into his sophomore season, expectations were low for Pryor based on a terrible rookie year. In his rookie season, he looked lost on the field and was even demoted due to his confusing play/tardiness. He was supposed to be one hard-hitting safety but didn’t live up to his college football hype in his first season with the Jets.

In his rookie season, Pryor only totaled 0.5 sacks and 36 tackles. Now in his second year of the NFL, his growth is easily visible as he’s shown that he can indeed live up to the hype and be a dominating defensive player for the Jets.

His transformation is a great one as not only do you see him acting like a true leader on defense, he’s always making plays and trying to leave a lasting impression to opposing receiving targets by making them fully aware he’s in the vicinity thanks to his much-improved tackling abilities.

Thanks to the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here is what head coach Todd Bowles said about Pryor’s impact so far this season.

On what Calvin Pryor has meant to the team and his development this season…

I think he’s still developing, it’s his second year, so he still has a lot to learn, but his maturity level and his understanding of the game is very good. He’s very vocal in the back end and obviously he made a hit last weekend, but his vocal part and his leadership from that standpoint has meant more to us than everything else.

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So far this season, Pryor has totaled 37 tackles and got the first interception of his career. I definitely see his future being a bright one as he’s only going to get better and develop even further over time.