Quinton Coples: Rex Promised To Pick Me At 16

Here is a transcript of Quinton Coples interview with the media after being selected by the NY Jets in the 1st round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

On if he thought he would end up with the Jets…
I didn’t know, I didn’t know at all.  I knew Coach Rex Ryan had promised me that if we got to that pick, and I was still there, he was definitely going to pick me and I am just thankful he is a man of his word.

On when Rex Ryan promised him he would be their first round selection if he was available…
On my visit last week.

On if other teams promised that they would draft him if he was still there…
No, they were the only team that was straight forward. Other guys was just trying to ask me about the situation at North Carolina.

On how he will fit in the Jets defense…
I think I am going to fit well as a five technique or dropping into coverage, so at the end of the day that’s what I’m prepared for- been working hard for.

On if he dropped into coverage at North Carolina…
Yes ma’am.

On if the transition to a 3-4 defense will be difficult…
No, Not at all. We had a 3-4 package at the University of North Carolina so I had about four years of that, so I practiced that.

On being known as a pass rusher and worrying about dropping into coverage…
No, not at all. I’ve definitely been working to prepare for that, so I’m definitely willing to drop into coverage as well.

On the issues North Carolina has faced the last few years…
It’s unbelievable, the perseverance that it took to make it through the situation at Carolina and then, to get rewarded and to becoming a Jet is unbelievable.

On what Rex told him…
He just told me that if I was there at 16 he was going to take me. No matter what.

On what Rex told him tonight on the phone…
He just said he promised he was going to take me and he definitely kept his word and he’s definitely a man of his word, he’s looking forward to me coming. He’s a good coach. He’s a good coach. He’s the best there is.  I’m definitely going to work hard for him.

On story of Rex blocking him at Pro Day and if he could tell the Jets were interested in him…
Yeah, I definitely could tell he definitely had some type of feeling about me, and I’m really glad things worked out.

On his opinion of the criticism he received last season…
I’ve been working hard, to be the best I can be and be the best Jet I can. What happened last year is what happened last year. I’m looking forward to being one of the best pass rushers.

On his work ethic…
Like I said before, I’ve been working hard and doing the best that I can, and to be the best athlete, and be the best Jet as possible. I think I’m going to do great for the Jets.