Coleman to start again

http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/116140599758260.xml&coll=1

Saturday, October 21, 2006
BY ELI GELMAN
Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Drew Coleman could almost pass for a reporter if he had a notepad and credential in his hands.

The Jets' rookie cornerback constantly asks fellow defensive backs David Barrett and Andre Dyson questions about how to play certain coverages and opposing receivers. He's just thankful they haven't stopped answering him.

"Those guys have slid me under their wings," Coleman said. "I'm really not giving them a choice I'm asking so many questions. They can't get rid of me.

"I'm just trying to learn from them. They've been there and know what to expect."

When Coleman was selected by the Jets in the sixth round of April's draft, he never thought about starting. The 5-9, 175-pounder out of Texas Christian -- formerly a receiver at Trinity Valley Community College before transferring -- simply wanted to prove he deserved a spot on the team. Coleman's work ethic has earned him praise from Jets coach Eric Mangini and, after playing mostly on special teams to start the season, he now finds himself starting his third straight game at cornerback tomorrow when the Detroit Lions pay a visit to the Meadowlands.

The Lions have a potentially explosive offense which includes wide receiver Roy Williams, who has a league-leading 552 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 36 receptions. He's tied for the league lead in 100-yard receiving games with three and will be a great test for Coleman.

"He's a big, physical receiver. I've got my work cut out for me," Coleman said. "I'll take the same approach that I have with every receiver I've gone up against. I'm not going to take it lightly and will try to get in his face."

Dyson, who has started every game at the other corner spot, isn't worried about having to overcompensate for Coleman's inexperience. The two have developed a close relationship, their lockers are near each other and they have no problem cracking jokes at the other's expense.

"He's just like a little brother. A little man," Dyson said. "If I see him mess up, I'll tell him. If I see him get beat I'll say, 'Don't worry about it. It goes with the territory.' I just try to lift him up whenever he makes a good play or a bad one.'

"We're both not so big but both work hard and take coaching and study (seriously). And when we got our shot to play, we took advantage of it."

Cornerback Justin Miller, who was previously the starter before Coleman, is still getting the bulk of the work and said he isn't concerned about who's starting. In fact, Coleman said Miller, along with the rest of the secondary, has been very supportive.

"Justin would probably be the first to congratulate me and the first to tell me what I'm doing wrong and helping me out," Coleman said. "I really respect that about him and the whole secondary."

Said Mangini: "(Coleman's) gotten better with understanding the concept of the defense -- where he fits in relation to other D-backs, where he fits in terms of his help on a specific coverage. You're seeing progress from him as a defensive back and as a contributor to the overall defense. As that continues to happen, more and more opportunities for him will develop."

Coleman is determined to improve and has soaked up every ounce of wisdom the veterans have passed along. But there is one lesson Coleman does not have any interest in learning. At least, not yet.

"I let Andre and the rest of them do the trash-talking," Coleman said. "I don't have the status that they have where they can trash-talk and back it up. I start trash-talking and (opponents) might start throwing at me."