CFL players with the Jets (( Larry Taylor & S.J. green)

[Kentucky Jet]

Taylor, Green survive first round of cuts with NFL's Jets

Will work out with 80-man roster New York's assistant general manager likes what he saw from former Alouettes

By HERB ZURKOWSKY, The Gazette May 17, 2010

StoryPhotos ( 1 )

"I wasn't nervous, but I was excited. It's the NFL, which everyone considers the best of the best," Larry Taylor says of his experience at mini camp with the New York Jets.

Photograph by: John Mahoney gazette file photo, The GazetteThey've made it past the first hurdle in their pursuit of employment in the National Football League. And,

although nothing's guaranteed to Larry Taylor and S.J. Green, the former Alouettes remain in the New York Jets' plans for now.

Both Taylor, the diminutive return-specialist and receiver, and receiver Green survived the Jets' recent mini camp - Green despite suffering from a hamstring injury - for rookies and draft choices.

Next up is a series of 10

offseason training activities, beginning today, during which the entire 80-man roster participates.

There's an additional three mini-camp practices on the agenda later, with the Jets' main camp beginning Aug. 1. And both Taylor and Green are expected to survive until then, according to Jets' assistant general manager Scott Cohen, "unless something unusual happens."

Should either Taylor or Green be released by New York and fail to be claimed by another NFL club, they would return to the Als, who retain their Canadian Football League rights. Both players are entering the option years of their Montreal contracts and enjoyed a window of opportunity in the offseason during which they could work out and be signed by an NFL team.

Cohen is bullish about Taylor following his mini-camp performance. And, while Green was limited because of his injury, Cohen believes the 6-foot-2, 216-pounder remains in the mix to replace Wallace Wright.

Although Wright was one of the Jets' best special-teams players last season, along with a backup receiver, the restricted free agent wasn't tendered an offer by New York. He subsequently signed with Carolina.

"I see S.J. competing because of his size and experience," Cohen said. "We'll be looking to see how he fits in and competes. He remains more of an unknown for now. We won't see his value until he's in pads and plays in (exhibition) games."

Although Taylor is only

5-foot-6 and 170 pounds, never did Cohen mention his physical stature.

"He made some noticeable plays and fielded some punts," Cohen said.

"He has done a good job with our offseason program, from what I saw, and is battling for one of our last receiver positions or as a punt returner."

Former B.C. Lions running-back Stefan Logan, only

5-foot-6 and 180 pounds, cracked the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster last season, breaking the team record for return yards. He generated 1,466 yards on 55 kickoff returns (26.7-yard average), including an 83-yarder.

"Larry's quickness and his separation jump out at you," Cohen said.

Reached at his south Florida winter home before returning to New York, Taylor said he believes he fared well at the mini camp.

"Ball is ball. It's about being able to stand out and make plays," he said.

"I wasn't nervous, but I was excited. It's the NFL, which everyone considers the best of the best.

"But it was just another camp, like Montreal. It's a matter of putting yourself in the best position and being able to understand. Just go out and play at a high level consistently."

That's something Taylor accomplished during his two seasons with Montreal. He especially gained prominence last year, being named the league's outstanding special teams player.

He led the CFL in punt returns, scored two touchdowns, and averaged nearly 21 yards on kickoff returns. He returned a field goal attempt 115 yards for a score.

"Guys have come out of the CFL and proven themselves," Taylor said. "They're not in the CFL because they can't play. This is the type of ball I've been accustomed to all my life."

Green, meanwhile, isn't losing hope because of his earlier injury. But he fully understands a prospect gets only so many opportunities and must do something this week to stand out and catch the coaches' eyes.

"This week's definitely important. It all is when you think about it," Green said.

"The hamstring feels great and I'll be able to run. I'll go out and do what I do best - play ball. I'm a big-play receiver."

hzurkowsky@

[Montreal Jet]

Good for them. I know its only the CFL, but Taylor is a great punt returner. I would be happy if he ( or anyone for that matter) would become a good punt returner with the Jets

[Kentucky Jet]

Good for them. I know its only the CFL, but Taylor is a great punt returner. I would be happy if he ( or anyone for that matter) would become a good punt returner with the Jets

What did you think about SJ Green as a wide receiver? I saw clips of Taylor returning punts and he did look dynamic. Reminded me of Neon Leon in his Jets prime.

July 14, 2009

Breakout game in Canada for WR S.J. Green

Former USF receiver S.J. Green, patiently waiting for most of two seasons on the Montreal Alouettes' practice roster, got a big break last week, catching five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown and making a name for himself in the CFL ranks.

"It was very frustrating, a very humbling experience for me having to sit and wait two years on the practice squad, knowing that I could play and contribute," Green told the Canadian Press after the win. "I waited my turn and made the best of the opportunity I received."

Green had totaled 114 yards in two seasons, nearly matching that in a single day, and there's optimism his production can continue -- he was originally activated because of a teammate's injury. His next game is Saturday against Saskatchewan.

[Montreal Jet]

What did you think about SJ Green as a wide receiver? I saw clips of Taylor returning punts and he did look dynamic. Reminded me of Neon Leon in his Jets prime.

July 14, 2009

Breakout game in Canada for WR S.J. Green

Former USF receiver S.J. Green, patiently waiting for most of two seasons on the Montreal Alouettes' practice roster, got a big break last week, catching five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown and making a name for himself in the CFL ranks.

"It was very frustrating, a very humbling experience for me having to sit and wait two years on the practice squad, knowing that I could play and contribute," Green told the Canadian Press after the win. "I waited my turn and made the best of the opportunity I received."

Green had totaled 114 yards in two seasons, nearly matching that in a single day, and there's optimism his production can continue -- he was originally activated because of a teammate's injury. His next game is Saturday against Saskatchewan.

Well only Taylor remains. Jets cut Green yesterday.