Jacob Bender Press Conference Transcript

Courtesy Jets PR Department

On the contact he had with the Jets during the draft process …
I came up there on a visit in April and I felt that the organization really enjoyed having me there. I was much obliged to being invited up there for a visit, but I just got a call from Coach Mangini and the Jets organization right before they picked me and they said they were going to go ahead and pick me up.

On his weight …
Yes, I’m very comfortable. My current weight is 315.

On playing left tackle at Nicholls State …
That is what I played at Nicholls State. I played a little bit of right tackle in some all-star games. My sophomore year, I lined up on the right side a little bit.Â

On whether playing at a small school is a disadvantage …
I’m just here to prove them wrong. It doesn’t matter what school you went to once you make it to the NFL. I know that I’m going to come in and I’m going to compete. And I’m going to make the most of what I have.

On what made him choose Nicholls State …
Nicholls State was actually the only school offer that I received. Hofstra had initially offered me when I went there on a recruiting trip, but they had backed out because they said they were waiting for somebody else. The only I-A team that was interested was Marshall and they said I could come in and walk on, but I went ahead with Nicholls State.

On making the NFL after being bypassed by many Division I-A colleges …
I do feel like I have proven a little. I still have a lot to prove. Just because I got picked doesn’t mean I made the team. So I have to come in and bust my butt. I have to work hard. I know I have to compete.

On whether he has played any guard …
In the all-star games, I took a few reps at both guards in one-on-ones but never in a game situation.

On how the Jets plan to use him …
I haven’t talked with them about that yet. They didn’t mention it to me, they are just excited to have me. I’m going to come in and I’m going to work. Whichever they feel is best for the team, that is where I’ll be.

On facing Nebraska’s Adam Carriker …
I thought I played well. We didn’t have a traditional-style offense, so I didn’t get to do too much one-on-one blocking him. Most of the time, I was up on linebackers and safeties, but the few times I did get to go against him, I thought that I handled myself very well.

On being drafted by the Jets as a good belated birthday present …
Yes, it is. Very.

On being prepared to move to the right side of the line because of D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s presence at left tackle …
Well, I’m not sure of that. I will leave that up to the coaches. I don’t know much about D’Brickashaw, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him when I come and join the organization. Obviously, I’ll leave that up to Coach Mangini and the O-line coaches and see where it goes from there.

On transitioning from the left side to the right side of the line …
Well, I’m not going to say it will be easy and I’m not going to say it will be tough, but I think that I am able to play left and right, it doesn’t matter. I feel that I’m athletic enough and smart enough to adjust to the different techniques used for each side. And with great coaching, I don’t think that will be a problem for me.Â

On spending time in the weight room …
Well, I’m working hard in the weight room. I’m lifting the weights, building muscle. I know that if I work hard enough I will play in the NFL. I know that my strength is not a problem.  I know that it will just keep increasing.

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