Mark Sanchez is excited about training camp, even if it means competing with a rookie. The New York Jets have a highly publicized quarterback competition going on between Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith. If the veteran is upset at the idea of fighting for his spot, he certainly is not showing it. The quarterback admits that he loves the idea of competing against the other players on the roster.
"I'm having a great time. I'm in an awesome situation. I'm the luckiest guy in the world. That's how I always feel. I just have a positive attitude. I'm trying to bring those guys along, get guys working hard, study my butt off and prepare each day. Whether it's a completion or whatever you call it, I'm going to be ready. I'm going to give it my best, feel good about it and move on," Sanchez said.
Competing for his spot is nothing new for Sanchez. He was in a battle during his time at Southern California. He fought off Kellen Clemens his rookie season with the Jets. And, who can forget the battle between Sanchez and Tim Tebow last season. The quarterback admits that competing is nothing big or scary. He is prepared to just be himself and hope that it will be good enough.
While Sanchez appears to have all the confidence in the world in his abilities, praise from others appears to be hard to come by. The New York media is clearly in favor of a change at the position and so are some of the Jets players. An anonymous teammate came forward and said that while the locker room certainly loves Sanchez as a friend and teammate, most feel a change at the position is necessary.
Sanchez is getting support from former teammates. Tight end Dustin Keller split from the Jets earlier in the offseason in favor of South Beach and the Miami Dolphins, but that is not stopping him from singing the praises of his former quarterback.
"I think the times that Mark has always been his best is when the most pressure's on him. He's the guy who got the team to the AFC Championship two years in a row. So he's definitely capable, and I think he'll be able to pick things up and get back on the right track this year," Kelly said.
Even if Sanchez says he does not mind the presence of Smith, Keller believes the quarterback is bothered by some of the offseason moves by the team. The tight end believes a fire has been lit under Sanchez and he will perform because of it. Jets fans are certainly hoping that is true.