Jets Safety #33 Eric Smith

 

New York Jets #33 Safety Eric Smith takes time out to give us an insight into life during the lockout, and what he's been doing to stay focused and conditioned.

Player bio.

Eric Smith: Home town Columbus, Ohio. College Michican State. Eric was selected by the New York Jets as the overall #97 pick of the 2006 draft. During his rookie season he had 27 tackles and 2 interceptions. Career Stats: 201 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 sack.

According to reports you've moved back in with your parents during the lockout, was this a tough decision?

I did not move back in with my parents during the lockout. I own a house in Jersey and live there now but while I was working out in Ohio, I stayed with them. I thought what better time to visit my family than now when I usually only see them a couple weeks out of the year.

You voiced your displeasure about the 'team workouts' and the affects they could have on the players, injury wise, what have you been doing this off season to stay well conditioned and injury free?

 

My displeasure was with organized practices. I'm all for guys getting together and working out and conditioning but not having all out practices. I've been working out 4 days a week since March. Moving around from Michigan State to Columbus, OH and now back in Jersey and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life.

Do you think the lockout will have any affect on the quality of the football that fans will see during the season?

If the lockout continues into the season it is definitely going to effect the quality of football. If training camp is missed and the owners want us to jump right into games then it's likely to result in numerous injuries, poor timing and basically bad football.

Your a free agent once the Lockout is over, are you eager to resign for the Jets, or do you feel its time to move on?

I would definitely like to return to the Jets but with this lockout it is really hard to say what's going to happen and we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Is it true you can figure out a seasons worth of offensive schemes in less time than it takes to go for dinner and a movie?

Hahaha maybe if it's a long movie and a 5 course dinner.

How good a coach is Rex Ryan, and whats the one thing he's improved in you as a player since his arrival?

Rex is a great coach and motivator. It's a joy to play for him. Under Rex I've developed a better understanding of defenses as a whole and why certain defenses are better in certain situations than others.

Whats been your favourite moment as a Jet on and off the field?

I can't really say I've had one favorite moment as a Jet. I've really enjoyed my years playing here and am thankful I've had the opportunity to be part of this team for so long.

Who do you think will have a breakout season this year for the Jets?

I can't really say because I don't really know who will all be Jets next year.

I've seen several pictures on twitter of you 'plankin' (impressive btw) please explain how you got into this?

I saw a bunch of pictures on twitter of people planking and then I was talking with some friends about it so we figured we might as well try it.

Who has the worst dress sense among the Jets players? and give an example.

Haha I'm not really going to talk about the way people dress but Lance Laury is bad.

A huge thank you to Eric for taking the time out to participate in the interview. We hope to see you back in the green and white this upcoming season. For more Interviews including L7 tailgate & Connie Carberg (first ever female NFL scout) and for everything Jets related visit our home page www.nyjetsoverthepond.com