Undrafted rookie WR Malik McClain understands what it takes to learn a new system. To nail Frank Reich's playbook, McClain made about 600 flashcards.
His collegiate experience prepared him for this. McClain started at Florida State (2021-22) after graduating from the prestigious IMG Academy on Florida's Gulf Coast, spent one year at Penn State (2023) and played his final two collegiate seasons out west at Arizona State (2024-25).
"I think [transferring] helped me learn the ways that I learned better," McClain said. "If you're somewhere, you know, stagnant for a long period of time, you just fall into what you know. So, having to pick up new stuff, helped me learn the techniques that can help me pick it up quicker."
McClain, who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, is trying to earn a spot on the 53-man regular-season roster. By 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, the Jets will have to trim their training camp roster.
So, the preseason is pivotal for players like McClain — it's an opportunity.
"Some guys are going to make it, some guys are not, but at least you give those guys an opportunity to put film out there, so they do get a chance for other teams to see them," head coach Aaron Glenn said. "We talk about that quite a bit. There are 31 other teams that are looking at this tape, so you want to put your best foot forward every time you go out on the grass."
Transferring helped McClain understand that reality.
"It's kind of like professional football, you know, get traded or go to another team," McClain said. "I'm thankful, I'm grateful I did that because coming in here, I wasn't scared of the playbook because I learned five new playbooks in college."
McClain thought coming to the Jets gave him the best opportunity.
"I had some other teams on the table, but talking to my agent, it just felt like this is the best place for me just to grow and … develop me as a player and as a young man as well," McClain said.
At Arizona State, he was coached by Hines Ward, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, Super Bowl XL MVP and former Jets offensive assistant (2019). Under Ward, McClain had a career year in 2025 with 31 receptions, 441 yards (14.2 per) and a touchdown.
"I had an NFL legend for a receiver coach so him instilling some NFL habits in me early helped me to come on this field and not be shell-shocked," McClain said. "It put some discipline in my life for sure."
See all of the best game photos from the Jets Week 2 preseason game against the Steelers.
McClain saw 22 snaps (20 offense, 2 special teams) in the Jets' preseason opener against the Buccaneers, was targeted twice and made one reception for 8 yards.
"I feel like there were some things I could have done better execution wise, but I did my job so that's all I could ask for at the end of the day," McClain said.
Against the Steelers on Friday night, McClain was on the receiving end of two third down conversions from QB Cade Klubnik during the final two minutes leading up to halftime.
On special teams, McClain nearly recovered a fumble after Pittsburgh's returner lost possession, but he wasn't able to keep both feet in bounds. Regardless it's an example of the instincts and value he can bring to the unit — he had 8 special teams snaps and 22 offensive snaps.
"I think the most important thing for me is taking a good look at [each] player for us and how he fits in what we're doing," Glenn said about how significant preseason games are for young players vying for roster spots. "Then, how is he playing? Is he playing to a point where we can't ignore how good this player is and how we need him to fit into our roster when it comes to that?"
