For Xavier Gipson, now isn’t the time to alter what he’s been doing.
The undrafted rookie out of Stephen F. Austin made the Jets’ roster through his labor and determination.
Now, that he’s on the team, he’s not changing anything.
“It’s the identical mindset coming in. I even have to work,” Gipson said this past week. “I even have to do that for me and the team. Also, just attempting to get on the identical page with the blokes and learn their terminology more. I’m attempting to get on the identical page as Aaron Rodgers. It’s really just buying in, buying into the method.”
Gipson has a probability to contribute for the Jets.
When Corey Davis retired unexpectedly in training camp, it created a hole within the back end of the wide receiver rotation.
Gipson and fellow rookie Jason Brownlee could also be called on to fill it.
The 5-foot-9 Gipson also may very well be a punt returner.
He returned kicks and punts within the preseason and the Jets have him listed together with Mecole Hardman as their primary returners.
Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer is already a giant fan of Gipson.
“I believe going back from his college tape, really liked him and worked him out in the massive town of Nacogdoches, Texas,” Boyer said. “Really liked the sort of kid he was and the preparation that he had. Even once I’ve seen him and you’ll be able to’t help but root for a child like that that works so hard and is such kid and is willing to work his way right into a position. I believe he’s done an awesome job since he’s been here and had one little hiccup to start out. He has really settled down and done an awesome job. I believe the entire return, you may have Mecole and he’s done a pleasant job being a productive returner within the league and we’ll see where it finally ends up.”
Gipson was a two-time WAC Offensive Player of the 12 months at Stephen F. Austin and impressed during training camp and within the preseason.
He had seven catches for 79 yards within the preseason finale against the Giants and drew praise from Aaron Rodgers. Now, he can be playing alongside of him.
Gipson said he never overpassed his goal to make the team despite some struggles along the way in which.
General manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh had some fun with Gipson once they told him he made the team, acting like they were about to chop him.
As a substitute he got the message that his NFL dream had come true.
“That was my goal. I wrote it down. I manifested it. I worked hard for it also,” Gipson said. “There have been some bumps within the road, but you’ve got to learn the best way to fight. You’ve got to learn the best way to get through adversity.”
Along the way in which, he impressed the Jets coaches.
“X has shown dynamic ability within the return game, he’s a extremely good football player,” Saleh said. “He’s got great feel for space within the pass game, obviously he still has a protracted method to go, he’s going to get well, but the way in which he works, his intent, his mindset, you’ll be able to tell he’s going to be a extremely good football player on this league.”
Gipson broke a number of long punt returns through the preseason that showed his speed.
“I just considered if I catch this punt return, if I can get 20 yards on this play, that may put us in great field position as receivers and the quarterback, the offense mainly,” Gipson said. “I used to be just trying to succeed in that goal and be sure that the offense could get going and rating some points.”
