Last year defensive end* *Jarvis Jenkins had the best season of his professional career. He pulled in career highs in starts (15), tackles (32), sacks (four) and QB hits (11). Now he's ready to translate that success with the Jets in 2016. The Clemson product is also reunited with his former college roommate, Marcus Gilchrist, and former Bears teammate, Matt Forte.
What's it like living in the New York metropolitan area?
"I definitely like it. It's fast paced, there's a lot of people here…but you know, I'm glad to be here, glad to be another addition to this football team and hopefully get a championship here."**
How do you translate your career high 4 sacks into this season?
"I definitely just need to build from the momentum I started last year, you know. Last year was obviously one of my best years but I can't let that be my peak. I learned a lot and had a lot of mistakes also which could have been better. I'm going to learn from the positivity I had and add it to my game and hopefully get another career high this year."
How is the D-line shaping up?
"We've got a lot of guys there working hard, building camaraderie together, playing with each other and getting used to each other. Once we all get together as one, it's going to be a sight to see, and I'm really looking forward to getting to work with these guys."
What is Matt Forté like as a teammate?
"He teaches you how to work hard. He's just one of those guys, man. He actually has a shirt that says '22 work hard' and he doesn't just wear that shirt just to wear it. When I first got to Chicago I saw the shirt, which he had for seven years, and every day he wore it. There wasn't one day I didn't see him in the weight room at 6 a.m. doing extra work before everybody got there – It shows why he's a Pro Bowler."
How does it feel to reunite with former college roommate Marcus Gilchrist?
"It was kind of weird…we were roommates for four years and then we got drafted, but once I told him I was visiting the Jets and potentially signing he was pumped up about it. I'm just ready to get back to work with that guy. Playing with him for four years in college and then coming here, it was reminiscent, because he calls out every play he sees. He's one of smartest guys I've been around so it's going to be good to get back on the field with him again."
