LOCALS IN THE NFL
Jets HC Robert Saleh: Zach Wilson Is ‘Relentless’ In His ‘Want For Knowledge’
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson for his “relentless” want for knowledge and studying.
Saleh spoke about Wilson’s progress during the team’s Organized Team Activities or OTAs.
The former BYU star was selected by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on April 29.
“He’s relentless in terms of his want for knowledge and in terms of studying,” Saleh said of Wilson. “It is interesting, when he’s watching tape, the things he’s able to pick up and recognize on tape.”
“He’s got a lot of horsepower in his mind and he’s not afraid to use all of it,” Saleh added.
Jets HC Robert Saleh on QB Zach Wilson: He's relentless in his want for knowledge. He has a lot of horsepower in his mind.
He looks good, he has a live arm, a good decision maker. We're excited about what he's shown so far. pic.twitter.com/jjWMBVNa8g
— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) May 27, 2021
In his time at BYU, Wilson was known for being a football junkie.
When his roommates or teammates were playing video games, the now NFL rookie was studying the game and watching film.
.@BYUfootball Coach Kalani Sitake breaks down QB Zach Wilson’s Pro Day on Path to the Draft @nflnetwork. pic.twitter.com/XsBeRjK1aG
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) March 26, 2021
During OTAs, Wilson spoke about transitioning from Utah to New Jersey, where the Jets have their practice facility.
“It’s not a ton different as far as just the size and the feel,” Wilson said of New Jersey. “There’s not a lot of traffic in New Jersey. It’s a calm place. Obviously, there’s a different look to this city, very green, tree everywhere. Utah’s definitely not like that. That’s definitely some aggressive drivers here. That’s for sure, getting used to that. You know, getting cut off about everywhere you go. You know, but really, I feel like I’m at home. I don’t feel homesick. I don’t feel like I’m, you know, missing anything. I’m having a blast and I think, you know, the coaches and the players just make it easy to fit in and get going with everything.”
Through the first few days of OTAs, New York media members have talked about seeing Wilson’s mechanics, live arm, and quality decision making.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
