Geno Smith is not at Jets West. The rookie opted to not attend the annual offensive camp hosted by Mark Sanchez and now reports are running wild that the two quarterbacks hate each other. Smith decided to stay close to home and train on his own leading into New York's training camp. While giving an interview in Miami, Smith squashed the rumors that he and Sanchez hate each other,
"Me and Mark are cool; there's no hard feelings or anything," Smith said. "He's up there getting work with the guys. I'm down here getting work," Smith said.
So, that clears things up right? Smith said even though he is absent from Jets West, he is extremely serious about becoming a starter for the Jets. The two are preparing for a highly publicized quarterback competition once training camp begins. Instead of working out with Jets teammates, Smith is training with Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Greg Little of the Cleveland Browns and former West Virginia teammates Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.
Smith is reassuring fans that he is 100 percent ready for training camp when he reports July 22. He says the media is reading too far into his absence into the unofficial team camp.
"They got to create a hot story. They got to keep the fans interested, so they're going to put whatever they want out there," Smith said.
Smith has yet to sign his contract with the Jets after getting drafted early in the second round. Recently signed to Roc Nation Sports, Smith says his new home with Jay-Z is helping his transition into the NFL go much smoother, noting they have opened up more opportunities for him in the future.
Smith is not concerned with the media spotlight in New York. He has feel victim to it numerous times since getting drafted to the Jets, but the rookie is not letting that get into his head.
"I was always told if they're not talking about you, then you're not doing anything," Smith said. "Everything is all positive for me, so I'm looking forward to the future."
