Former BYU QB Zach Wilson Speaks For First Time During Jets Rookie Minicamp

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson spoke to the media for the first time during the New York Jets’ rookie minicamp.

Wilson answered questions fielded by reporters on Day 2 of the Jets’ camp on Saturday, May 8.

Starting Quarterback?

The former Cougar QB was asked about being the team’s starting quarterback as a rookie. The Jets currently have two quarterbacks on the their roster, both of which have no game experience in the NFL.

“In this position, the coaches want to play the best player. That position has to be earned,” Wilson said. “I have to do what I’m supposed to do. That’ll take care of itself.”

Relationship with Jets Teammates

Wilson added that becoming the Jets’ starter was important but not his main focus. He is prioritizing learning New York’s offense and developing relationships with his new teammates.

The rookie already has plans to get together with teammates this offseason for workouts before training camp begins later in the summer.

“We’ll make it happen,” Wilson said.

All smiles from Zach Wilson 😄 pic.twitter.com/WpEsR8RV7s

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 8, 2021

Wilson has already been in contact with some of New York’s veterans, as well as his fellow rookie teammates.

“Like a general,” Jets rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore said of Wilson. “His passion comes out through the phone.”

Zach Wilson to Elijah Moore on the slant. Get used to it. #Jets pic.twitter.com/iR08fBkggG

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 8, 2021

“A Really Nice Job” So Far

First-year Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised the former BYU quarterback’s play thus far in the minicamp.

“He did a really nice job,” Saleh said of Wilson’s performance. “The ball was in and out of his hand very crisp. He was in rhythm and was on time; the players were running the right routes. The ball was barely on the ground.”

Jersey Number

Wilson, who was selected by New York with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on April 29, wore a No. 2 red jersey during his first day of workouts with the Jets.

He wore No. 11 during freshman season at BYU and No. 1 during his final two years with the Cougars.

Wilson discussed the unofficial number choice with the media and sounded like No. 2 was leaning towards becoming his official jersey digit.

“Mixing it up, doing something new,” Wilson said. “I like single-digit numbers. I think it’s kind of cool that I was the second pick. That’s kind of a cool reason to shake it up.”

"I like any single digit numbers and I think it's kind of cool I was the second pick"

Zach Wilson is still undecided, but is leaning towards jersey No. 2: pic.twitter.com/g2hu45Aw7U

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 8, 2021

New York Jets Rookie Minicamp

The Jets opened their minicamp on May 7.

New York is one of the first teams to start their minicamp this offseason.

The Jets are holding the minicamp at the organization’s facilities in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Confirmed: Zach Wilson can throw beyond five yards #Jets pic.twitter.com/8Dz0z0w74h

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 8, 2021