Garrett Wilson is not the only Jet who has been reunited with Justin Fields this spring.
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert also played with Fields at Ohio State and has been excited to see his former college teammate in Florham Park.
“It’s been great,” Ruckert said. “Anytime you get a chance to reconnect one of your former teammates, whether it’s an old league or in college, it’s great. I’m excited where we’re going as a team and, and, and the culture we’re setting. And I think he’s perfect for that, for that role. And just getting these last couple weeks to get back on the same page and get our timing right with all the guys. It’s been special to be a part of that, but also, you know, kind of get the other guys, get the other guys rolling and and continue to grow as a unit.”
Ruckert said beyond Fields’ obvious physical gifts, he has the mental makeup to help the Jets.
“I think the biggest thing about him is his mental toughness, nothing’s going to rattle him,” Ruckert said. “He’s good for this team, this area. And he wants the pressure. He’s built for it. And just the attitude that he brings and, and the professionalism that he has, he’s shown it ever since we were in college. And then he’ll continue to do that and we’ll rally behind him.”
This is a big season for Ruckert, who is entering his fourth year in the league.
New Jets coach Aaron Glenn challenged him to be more consistent when they sat down this winter to meet.
The Jets lost Tyler Conklin in free agency, leaving a hole at tight end.
But the team selected Mason Taylor in the second round, so Ruckert may still have to fight for playing time.
“I think that’s something I’ve been really focusing on just being the most consistent kind of player I can be,” Ruckert said, “and doing whatever they need me to do, whether that’s in the run game, in the pass game, whatever it is, just continue to get bigger, stronger, faster. And every year you play, you get more experience and, and kind of use that experience to grow and get better. So mainly just take this, run with it and, and just be one of the guys that can bring these guys along.”
Glenn said the Jets and Giants would conduct joint practices in August before their preseason game.
There will be one practice at the Jets headquarters in Florham Park and one at the Giants headquarters in East Rutherford.
