By WFAN.com
Mike Francesa welcomed Sam Darnold to the Wednesday edition of Mike's On to discuss the rookie quarterback's first steps as a member of the New York Jets.
The No. 3 overall pick is expected to vie for the starting quarterback job this preseason. For now, the 20-year-old is picking up pointers from the more experienced signal callers at minicamp.
"I think the biggest thing for me is coming to work every day," Darnold said. "It sounds clichéd by it's so true. Just doing my job every single day -- in the classroom, on the field -- and by classroom, I mean film room, being able to study and learn the playbook. Learn from guys like Teddy (Bridgewater), from Josh (McCown), guys like Hack (Christian Hackenberg), guys who have been there and have more experience than me. So, I'm just going to learn as much as I can in the short amount of time that I have to learn. I'm just going to step in there, be myself, do my thing and lead the way that I lead -- but not force it. I'm not going to force anything upon anyone. I'm just going to do my thing and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way."
Francesa asked about head coach Todd Bowles' plan for the rookie.
"Coach Bowles is amazing," Darnold said. "He's a very funny guy. He's a really good guy. We have conversations about the culture. I guess in my top 30 visit, I had more questions for him about what kind of culture he wants to bring here and everything like that. But in terms of what to expect from my play, there hasn't been many conversations in that regard."
MORE: Jets' Quincy Enunwa Hopes To Be Ready For Spring Practices
Darnold passed for 4,143 yards in 14 games last season at USC while completing 63.1 percent of his passes. He tossed 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
"I'm not going to come in and demand anyone's respect," Darnold said. "I know I've got to earn it and I'm going to go in, like I keep saying -- be myself. But just go in there, not make too much noise, just do my thing. When I'm on the field, I understand that the quarterback has to be the leader. So, I'm going to go into that huddle very confident, own the playbook and at the line of scrimmage just owning it and being able to tell the guys what to do no matter what. At the end of the day, guys want to be lead."
Darnold outlined his greatest strengths as "instincts" and "a good feel for the game."
