CORTLAND — Rex Ryan thinks Dexter McDougle can make a big impact — if he gets a little smaller.
The Jets coach said he is impressed with the rookie cornerback enough to have him taking all the first-team snaps Saturday in practice. Ryan admitted the third-round pick from Maryland came into camp a little overweight, but said once he gets into NFL shape, he has “a heck of a chance.’’
Considering where McDougle has come from a year ago — a season-ending injury at Maryland that ended his collegiate career and threatened his draft stock — shedding a few pounds should be child’s play. In less than 11 months, McDougle has gone from a dislocated right shoulder and fractured his shoulder-blade to his emotional debut in a Jets uniform in Thursday’s preseason opener.
“It was a real emotional day for me, because almost a year ago I was done for my college career,’’ McDougle said after practice at SUNY-Cortland. “To see where I’m at now, a lot of emotions were going through my body when I was in warmups, during the national anthem tearing up a bit because I’m living my dream.
“A year ago a lot of people didn’t think I’d be here, so it was real emotional for me and my family. On the field I just went out there and did what I do, compete and play ball. That’s what I did. It ended up being a pretty good day for me and my family and the team, and we got the win.’’
McDougle’s Terps career ended Sept. 14 2013, against Connecticut, a night that saw him snatch two interceptions then get hurt making a tackle. Now, one surgery, some grueling rehab and a large scar on his back later, McDougle started his pro career Thursday at MetLife Stadium. His mother, Gina, cried and McDougle cried along with her, his comeback complete.
Playing with the second unit, he was solid, which is more than struggling starter Dimitri Patterson, who was held out of Saturday’s practice can say. McDougle got flagged for a pass interference Thursday, but came back undaunted on the next play to break up a pass.
“[I] thought he did well. I know he had the one penalty, but I thought he responded well. Right after the penalty he challenges a guy, makes a great play. He’s got a chance. I’ve been impressed with this young man,’’ Ryan said.
“I kid him because he’s got to get his weight down a little bit. I think he needs to get in NFL shape. I think once he does that, the kid, he’ll have a heck of a chance.’’
The 5-foot-10 McDougle is listed at 195 pounds, with Ryan clearly intent on melting off a few of those. And the rookie got beat by veteran WR David Nelson on a deep ball Saturday. Still, it is obvious Ryan sees potential in McDougle, if not a problem with Patterson.
“We’ll see where Dimitri is physically. But I expect [McDougle] to get a lot of opportunities,’’ Ryan said.
“I’ve been kidding him, I said, “43, I think he thought he was a running back.” He means well. He works his butt off. We’ve just got to get him down a little bit more. He came in a little heavy. Sometimes guys do that. They think, ‘It’s the NFL, they are big guys, I’ve got to get a little bigger.’ That’s not the case. You’ve got to be able to run and be in great shape. But I’ve been impressed with him. For a guy that only played three games last year, I’ve really been impressed.’’