SAN THE MAN: As new Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and second-round draft pick Geno Smith (7) look on, Mark Sanchez works out during organized team activities yesterday. (Bill Kostroun)
While the Jets’ second-round draft pick, Geno Smith, said he won’t be shocked or disappointed if he’s not named the starting quarterback, embattled and beleaguered Mark Sanchez said he plans on being under center and sounds as if he can’t even comprehend the possibility he could get beat out for the job.
“I don’t really think like that. I’m planning on playing, and planning on starting so I’ll let you know,’’ said Sanchez when he was asked if he would be surprised if he didn’t start. “I don’t plan on that happening.’’
After throwing three interceptions during organized team activities last week, Sanchez was 8-of-11 yesterday with no picks.
“I feel the best I’ve felt in a while and I feel like I’m putting together one of my best offseasons,” he said. “Accuracy-wise I just feel great.’’
Smith said he wouldn’t be hurt or stunned by not starting.
“It’s not my job to really worry about that,” he said. “It’s my job to work hard and whatever it takes to help my team win. … It wouldn’t hurt my confidence; it just means I need to continue to work hard. I have confidence one day I’ll get there: It just takes time.’’
The rookie from West Virginia praised Sanchez for having been helpful and supportive.
“Part of that comes when you’re just confident in yourself,’’ said Sanchez. “If I were insecure about something or I couldn’t handle either this market or this pressure, then maybe I wouldn’t say much to him. Maybe I’d be scared to give him help. But I don’t feel like that. That’s not my personality. I’m confident I’m ready to go. I know I can do it.’’
* Smith said Jay-Z didn’t recruit him to sign with Roc Nation Sports, a possibility the NFL Players Association has been investigating because it would have violated the union’s rules for agents.
“I chose Roc Nation Sports for management because it was something that myself and my family came to a conclusion that we feel comfortable with, and I’m happy to be a part of that,’’ Smith said.
* Linebacker Calvin Pace clearly wasn’t a fan of the Darrelle Revis trade.
“I was disappointed. I consider Revis a friend since the day I got here, and I watched him grow into what I feel is the best corner in the NFL. To not have that it was kind of disheartening,’’ said Pace, who added Revis and the Buccaneers both got what they wanted but wouldn’t say that about the Jets.
“We’ll see,” he said. “The jury is out on how our side of the deal worked out.’’
* Running back Mike Goodson practiced for the first time in front of the media. He sat out last week’s practice dealing with his legal woes, but coach Rex Ryan praised the speed he showed yesterday on an outside run.
* Tight end Hayden Smith had the catch of the day. The Australian and former rugby player made a twisting, diving catch of a Sanchez pass in the middle of the defense. Smith looks much improved from last year, his first playing football.
* Safety Josh Bush said he had shoulder surgery in January. He downplayed it but was limited in practice and wore a red jersey to signify non-contact. … Receiver Stephen Hill was practicing after missing last week with a sore knee.
* The Jets signed receiver Ben Obomanu and placed quarterback David Garrard on the reserve/retired list. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound Obomanu has 87 catches for 1,209 yards for the Seahawks since being a seventh-round pick in 2006.