New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood tackles New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board during an NFL preseason game on Aug. 14, 2021, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.AP Photo/Corey Sipkin
AP Photos
FLORHAM PARK — When you think of the top linebackers on the New York Jets defense, Jamien Sherwood isn’t usually the first name that is thought of. With Pro Bowlers like CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams firmly supplanted at their positions, it’s hard for any linebacker to make an important impact on a top-five defense.
That’s what Sherwood is trying to do though in his third season as an NFL player and first as the penciled-in starter at the weakside linebacker position.
“I’m comfortable with my teammates, my brothers at linebacker. My thing is just eliminating any mistakes, any grey areas so I can go out there and play my fastest every opportunity I get,” Sherwood told AMNY following Thursday’s practice.
Sherwood’s speed has been a calling card for him since high school. The Jensen Beach native originally had a background at both safety and defensive end before being drafted in the fifth round by the Jets in 2021. Once in the NFL though, the Auburn product had to have a difficult conversation about his playing career.
“When I was coming out and was told I was being transitioned, it kind of hurt a little bit. I had been working for this my whole life, my dream was going to the NFL in the backend,” Sherwood explained. “But now I realize people are faster now so being in the box is good for me. Even in college when I rolled down in the box as a safety, I used to make more plays.”
The focus since then has been to prepare both his mind and body for the demands that the linebacker position required at the NFL level.
Luckily for Sherwood, his mind is one of his biggest assets heading into camp.
“I’m excited for what he (Sherwood) is going to bring this year. He’s one of the smartest players on our defense and on…
Read the full article here
