Quinton Coples Q&A

On his first day in the facility…
I got here at about 12:00.  I met with everybody here today.  I went around the facility to meet and greet with everybody and I made sure that I familiarized myself with everything.

On his first impression of the New York Jets…
When I came here on a visit, it’s a great facility, great coaches, great people to be around.  I’m just looking forward to experiencing the dream here with the New York Jets.

On whether he has received any insight from the coaches about his role on the team…
No, not right now.  Right now they can’t talk about football under the new CBA. I just want to make an impact as soon as possible.

On the transition from the 4-3 defense to 3-4 defense…
At North Carolina, basically we had a package where we would run a 3-4 so I’m definitely familiar with the package.  We also ran (the package) at the Senior Bowl.  I’m definitely familiar with the 3-4 scheme. So I’m prepared.

On whether he has received a playbook and has looked through it…
Yes ma’am.  I haven’t had a chance to go through it, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.

On waiting for his name to be called at the draft…
It was just an unbelievable feeling.  It was a nervous feeling but overall, God blessed me and put me in the right position and I’m thankful for that.

On the challenges he faced last year playing on the outside…
It was an adjustment to a spot that I wasn’t familiar with.  I think I did well.  I’m proud to be a Jet and ready to move forward.

On the drills that Rex Ryan held for him on Pro Day…
There was a unique thing that he wanted to see just in case I was here, with the 16^th pick which I was.  I went through the drills to the best of my ability and it turned out great for me.

On performing drills designed for linebackers…
It was great.  Once again, I felt good about them.  I did them to the best of my ability and I responded well to them.

On why he decided to stay in school another year after a productive junior season…

I just think that I wasn’t ready to become a professional. I think I played at a high level my junior year, but I wasn’t ready to make a transition to becoming a professional on and off the field.

On how he was able to stay focused with the challenges the North Carolina program faced during his senior season…

I just had to stay strong for the team. The team relied to on me to be there for them and I had to carry the young guys that came in that weren’t familiar with the situation. I think that’s what kept me strong and kept me motivated.

On his relationship with Mohammed Wilkerson…

Me and Mo have had a relationship ever since Hargrave when we first met. He’s definitely been a good guy to me as far as helping me out a lot throughout my career, as far as just advice, and when he went to the NFL last year we kept in contact with each other and I’m just looking forward to playing with him.

On what Wilkerson told him about the Jets…

That we’re on the rise, he was like we’re one step away from winning the Super Bowl and you know he’s definitely excited about me being an addition to the program and he’s ready to rock and roll.

On when he spoke with Wilkerson…

I texted him last night.

On Wilkerson telling Mike Tannenbaum that Coples is a great teammate and a better player than him…

I didn’t hear him say that but I definitely got the word that he said that. That’s definitely a great compliment from a guy such as him, someone of his status. I’m proud and honored to be (playing) beside him I’m definitely going to take that in.

On whether opposing offenses should be worried about Coples and Wilkerson on the same defense…

I think that they should be worried about me and Mohammed and Big Bo (Sione Pouha) in the middle, and everybody else that’s behind us. I think the defense is going to be the number one defense out there.

On the depth of the defensive line and how soon he’ll play…

I’m going to just come in and make an impact as soon as I can. I’m going to come in as a rookie and work my way up.

On when he thought the Jets were really serious about drafting him…

I think it was about pro day at North Carolina. I think Coach Rex Ryan (was interested) and that’s one of the reasons why he made me do the linebacker drills. They also showed interest before, but I think he put a stamp on it at the pro day.

On answering questions about what happened at UNC…

I mean it’s another day that’s in the past. I’m a Jet now. I’m just ready to move forward as a Jet.

On if he’s talked to Marvin Austin…

Yes sir.

On if Austin gave him advice on playing in New York…

He said welcome to the big city and he’s definitely excited about me. He said he felt like he just got drafted and he’s just proud of me.

On why his draft stock dropped from the projected number two overall pick…

I just think it was a decision that the teams didn’t choose me. Right now, I’m with the best team that did choose me and with the best fit and I’m ready to move forward as a Jet.

On whether the Jets got a good value…

They got a great value.

On whether he has a chip on his shoulder coming in…

Everyday. Everyday.

On why he has the chip on his shoulder…

I always have a chip on my shoulder. Just that there’s always room to get better, there’s always room to improve. That’s how I take it and that’s how I live life

On his opinion of Rex Ryan…

He’s unbelievable. I think he gives you this feeling when you first see him as a man, it’s just, you kind of lose your breath. He’s a great guy, he’s humble, he has a will to win and I don’t think you can ask for more in a coach.

On whether he got the chance to watch Hard Knocks…

We watched a couple of series on away games.

On Jets fans that  question his motivation…

You know, the Jets fans are definitely passionate about their team and I’m willing to exceed their projections or whatever they have for me. I’m willing to exceed them.

On reflecting back on his Senior Bowl performance…

They just said I stayed in the backfield, I was getting to the quarterback and that is what they needed.

On his journey to the NFL and the support from his family…

My family has always been there for me. (She has) always supported me through thick and thin and no matter what. They definitely enjoyed the experience and are proud to be a part of the Jet organization.

On deciding what number to wear…

I haven’t decided what my number is yet. (The jersey) is just the first round draft pick (jersey).