Lankster Set For A Bigger Role In 2012?

Training Camp is upon us, and one of few people outside of the well known household names that I'll be intrigued to see, is CB Ellis Lankster.

Lankster was drafted by the Bills in the 7th round of the 2009 draft out of West Virginia, Lankster saved his best until last with a breakout year in his senior year, during which he started every game, recording 68 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble, resulting in Ellis being named in the All Big East second team.

During his time with the Bills, Ellis featured in nickel defense situations throughout the season, only to find himself the following season playing for the Hamilton Tiger-cats in the Canadian league after his release by the Bills. Fortunes soon turned around for the young CB after signing a future contract for the Jets in January of last year. Ellis found himself on the active roster come October (despite being waived in the September) and featured manly of special teams. Ellis enters his second season with the Jets looking to establish himself within the 53 man roster.

I get the feeling that opportunity knocks for Ellis this time round, due to the fact that former first round pick Kyle Wilson is still struggling to make a lasting impression on the team and with the fans. Wilson showed signs of improvement after spending part of the last seasons lockout working out with Darrell Revis, but it's his consistency that's my main hang up with Wilson. Once again you can expect to see Ellis feature mainly on special teams, and during passing downs situations. (remember that pre-season interception against the Eagles that he returned 67yards to the house). Ellis is currently listed as the 4th CB on the roster, will Lankster impress at camp and when the time comes, on special teams and passing down situations to take the 3rd spot from Wilson?

Ellis has worked tirelessly during this off-season, with his off the field commitments finding himself honored by the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary.

Follow us on twitter @nyjoverthepond and visit us again at www.nyjetsoverthepond.com