So much is new for the Jets as they embark on the 2021 NFL season. And while the focus may be on the Green & White's rookie QB on Sunday at Carolina, the outcome of the season opener for the Jets will also hinge on the play of the team's young group of cornerbacks.
Bless Austin was released last week, which means that Panthers' QB Sam Darnold will contend with six first- or second-year CBs, all battling for playing time. The four rookies are Brandin Echols, Isaiah Dunn, Jason Pinnock and Michael Carter II. That makes second-year men Bryce Hall and Javelin Guidry the grizzled "veterans" of the group.
"You can't predict what happens in this league," Hall said. "It's like you grow up quick. Obviously, last year I got thrown into the fire and I was playing already."
Hall, drafted out of Virginia, spent the first half of the 2020 season rehabbing from an ankle injury sustained playing for the Cavaliers. He started seven of the Jets' final eight games last season, showing his quickness, nose for the ball and promise for the future. That future is now.
"Obviously we're very young, but I have complete confidence in this group," Hall said. "I love this group. I'm excited for what our potential is and the pieces we have. Even though we're young, we're very hungry, I don't think we try to (pay) too much attention to the outside noise. It's us stepping on the field, not them. We have a bunch of hungry dudes, we've got the right people and we know we can get it done and be successful."
Saleh on Monday declined to say who would team with Hall at corner, adding "we'll wait until Sunday."
Bless Austin was released last week, which means that Panthers' QB Sam Darnold will contend with six first- or second-year CBs, all battling for playing time. The four rookies are Brandin Echols, Isaiah Dunn, Jason Pinnock and Michael Carter II. That makes second-year men Bryce Hall and Javelin Guidry the grizzled "veterans" of the group.
"You can't predict what happens in this league," Hall said. "It's like you grow up quick. Obviously, last year I got thrown into the fire and I was playing already."
Hall, drafted out of Virginia, spent the first half of the 2020 season rehabbing from an ankle injury sustained playing for the Cavaliers. He started seven of the Jets' final eight games last season, showing his quickness, nose for the ball and promise for the future. That future is now.
"Obviously we're very young, but I have complete confidence in this group," Hall said. "I love this group. I'm excited for what our potential is and the pieces we have. Even though we're young, we're very hungry, I don't think we try to (pay) too much attention to the outside noise. It's us stepping on the field, not them. We have a bunch of hungry dudes, we've got the right people and we know we can get it done and be successful."
Saleh on Monday declined to say who would team with Hall at corner, adding "we'll wait until Sunday."