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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets rookie Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner was named a Week 1 starter Sunday by coach Robert Saleh. Even earlier than the announcement — a mere formality — Gardner already was considering massive issues.
Looking forward to the common season, Gardner — drafted fourth general — mentioned he expects to “dominate” opponents. He believes he is wired otherwise than different rookies, which, in his view, ought to reduce the everyday rising pains.
“I feel it may be totally different than how most rookie seasons are,” Gardner mentioned in an interview with ESPN. “Folks all the time speak about this rookie wall, issues like that. I take soccer actual critical, however on the similar time, I’ve enjoyable with it. I really feel like that is why I will have a lot success. After I’m on the sector, I am smiling and have a number of enjoyable with it.
“Every thing comes pure,” he continued. “I do not assume I’ll run into the quote-unquote rookie wall. I feel I am going to simply have the ability to go on the market and dominate whoever strains up in entrance of [me].”
Assured, huh?
“Most positively,” he mentioned.
Each rookie nook has a goal on his again; that is how the NFL works. Gardner involves the league with a sterling popularity — he did not permit a landing go in faculty — however even the highest prospects get examined, particularly those that like to speak.
Gardner’s response? Carry it on.
“I am simply wanting ahead to it,” he mentioned. “That is all I’ve to say about that. I’ve heard that since I received in faculty my freshman yr: ‘You realize, they are going to come after you.’ All proper, I will be ready.”
Gardner had a comparatively quiet coaching camp, however quiet is sweet in his line of labor. He did not make any highlight-film performs, however he additionally did not get torched by any of the Jets’ veteran receivers. He did not miss a single observe and, from all indications, labored laborious at his craft.
And he did a number of trash-talking. Like, nonstop.
“Sauce is all the time speaking, whether or not it is trash or not,” rookie huge receiver Garrett Wilson mentioned. “I would say he is received the higher hand on trash-talking, for certain.”
Saleh mentioned he hasn’t been round a rookie who talked this a lot since cornerback Jalen Ramsey, when Saleh was linebackers coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. Ramsey completed second within the AP Defensive Rookie of the 12 months voting and was a first-team All-Professional in his second season. “The perfect in soccer,” Saleh mentioned.
Gardner has a methods to go earlier than he reaches that stage, however he is received the vocal half down pat.
“The man doesn’t cease speaking when he’s on the soccer area — and he backs it up,” Saleh mentioned.
Gardner would not thoughts the Ramsey comparability.
“I really feel prefer it’s true,” he mentioned. “[Saleh] is simply being sincere. Jalen is a superb participant, he is an amazing man. That is my man. We chop it up now and again. I see myself in him a bit of bit. We now have a number of the identical tendencies, on and off the sector, the best way we supply ourselves, the best way we discuss a bit of little bit of trash on the sector.”
It is uncommon for a rookie to be that brash, however Gardner is not like most rookies. He already has an endorsement cope with Buffalo Wild Wings and his personal signature sauce. It is known as “Sauce Sauce,” described as a mix of smoky candy and spicy BBQ. He is come a good distance from the Detroit child who was nicknamed “A1 Sauce Candy Toes” Gardner by considered one of his youth soccer coaches. Finally, it was shortened to … properly, you realize.
He really performed huge receiver till his sophomore yr in highschool, an expertise that helps him now. His familiarity with the route tree and huge receiver splits helps him anticipate particular routes. A sensible nook can get rid of sure routes based mostly on the place the receiver is lined up.
“Numerous issues I simply know after they’re coming,” Gardner mentioned.
“He’s that man that’s continually accumulating data after which sprinting again to the locker room and writing it down,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich mentioned. “He’s simply constructing this database proper now.”
Gardner alternated with incumbent Bryce Hall all through coaching camp, largely as a result of the teaching employees did not need to hand him a beginning job due to his rookie standing. They wished him to earn it. Saleh made it official after Sunday’s preseason finale towards the New York Giants, naming Gardner a starter after a “incredible” summer time.
“Sky is the restrict. I do not assume I’ve a ceiling,” Gardner mentioned. “Ain’t no such factor as a ceiling. I pray to God, sky is the restrict.”