Hard work is second nature to Jacob Bender, the New York Jets' sixth-round draft choice.

He dug post holes and put up fences and signs for his father, who installed pipe and chainlink fencing, and his brother, who owned a concrete business. And he built himself from a 225-pound Division I-AA offensive lineman into a 315-pound NFL Day Two O-lineman.

And the hardest work involved in the latter involved food.

"Spending a lot of time in the weight room is big, but there was a lot of eating, too," Bender told newyorkjets.com shortly after the Jets spent the 177th overall pick on him. "It was fun at first, but then it got boring. You've got to eat every four hours."

Life can be hard. But Bender put his work ethic to the task to become the standout OT on a strong run-blocking Nicholls State line.

Will he need to bulk up further to move in on the Jets' tackle depth chart? Will he be relocated to guard in the pros? Bender, who will wear uniform No. 72 in green, said it doesn't matter to him.

He said line coach Tony Wise "told me they're going to find the best fit for me. I'm just going to come in there and bust my butt."

You could say Bender will come in hungry.

Vitals

Round 6 — Jacob Bender, OL, Nicholls State, 6'6", 316

Agility Tests 

Campus: 5.18 seconds in the 40 (wind-aided). ... 5.26 in the 40 (against the wind). ... 2.96 in the 20. ... 1.81 in the 10. ... Bench-pressed 225 pounds 27 times. ... 25" vertical jump … 8'7" long jump. ... 4.6 in the 20-yard shuttle. ... 7.84 seconds in the three-cone drill. 

High School

Attended DeMatha H.S. in Hyattsville, Md. ... The team captain averaged more than 16 knockdown blocks per game as a senior. ... Named all-state and all-state academic and was a member of Maryland's Top 50 Offensive Line Hog Picks. 

Personal

General Studies major. ... Son of Debbie and Mike Bender. ... Born Jacob David Bender on April 25, 1985 in Mayo, Md.