General Manager Joe Schoen & Coach Brian Daboll on Abdul Carter
JOE SCHOEN: Obviously we took Abdul, so really excited about adding another pass rusher to the organization. Great kid. We spent a lot of time with him, been in constant communication with him. I know you guys asked last time about the foot. We feel good about the foot, where he is. He's been running, been working out, so we're not really concerned with that at this point.
But again, we're just excited to add a really good football player to the organization who's really going to help our defense moving forward.
Q. You guys took a lot of time on the clock. How much were you contemplating taking phone calls, contemplating other picks at that spot?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we were high fiving and hugging. That's what that was, and then we got him on the phone. So we took about five minutes there and just -- we were just talking out and hanging out and enjoying the moment really.
Q. When did you realize this would be a possibility that this was kind of the guy you were going to likely land on and did the action before you at 2, when did you hear about that, and did that change anything for you guys?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, it seemed like just in terms of the order of the draft, it shifted probably around that Colorado pro day. That's really when Travis (Hunter) going No. 2 really started to catch steam because a lot of time before that, it felt like Abdul was going to be the pick at 2. So as we went through our process with all the players that were in the mix, and again, we went through a thorough process through the entire draft. We had a pretty good sense probably on Wednesday that this was going to happen. We had caught wind of the Jacksonville-Cleveland thing so we've known that that was probably going to happen for a couple days here. So we just didn't know which way Jacksonville was going to go.
Q. Dabs, big smile on your face. Talk about going with Abdul, the process, everything that it entailed.
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I had a chance to get some breakfast with him when I went down to Penn State to visit my daughter for a parents' weekend that we had lined up, and in the morning when we were getting ready to leave, I went to a breakfast spot down there at Penn State that I've been to a few times, and we had a great breakfast, great meeting.
He's a great kid, and he's an exceptional player. He's got great quickness, bend, he's hard to block. He played off the ball the year before, and he has some instincts in that area, as well, smart. Just had a really good meeting with him, and then he was up here -- fun guy to evaluate.
You look at him from an offensive perspective and things that I think we might have to do if we ever had to play against him, which we have certain guys in our division that are similar to that.
But he's coming in. He's going to do everything he can to help us out, and he'll start from ground zero with us and Shane (Bowen) and Charlie (Bullen), but he's got a great personality.
He's a lot of fun to be around, and he's a good football player.
Q. Dabs, question regarding the history of Giants linebackers
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I think you guys saw that. He put something out there. But he's going to have to be Abdul and do the things we need him to do, but I think he has position flexibility. He can do a variety of things. He's extremely athletic for a big guy. He's played on the edge. He's played off the ball. How we deploy him, we'll have to get him here and work with him. But smart, he's got great personality, and again, he was a fun guy to evaluate. He's a tough guy to block.
Q. The fact that he had only one year at defensive end, did that give you a feeling that his ceiling -- that he's not even close to his ceiling at that position, the more experience he's going to gain --
BRIAN DABOLL: Well, you saw what he can do when he's rushing on the edge, and the issues that he creates with his get-off and bend is really unique. Again, that was his first year, but he's an exceptional athlete. Just really looking forward to working with him. Very happy that we had the opportunity to get this guy.
Q. Joe, was he the No. 1 player on your board?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, I'm not going to get into who was where on our board, but we're ecstatic to have him.
Q. But he was in the top three obviously?
JOE SCHOEN: Obviously he was in the top three. He was definitely in the top three.
Q. Both you guys, offense, quarterbacks who can score points, that's important, but at this point is there anything wrong with developing an identity as a really, really good defensive team, and where do you think you are with this addition to being a team who can say we're a top 5 or a top 10 defense?
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, we're in phase 1 of our off-season program and have one draft selection. Let's get him here. Let's get him into our defense.
Again, I'll say there's a lot of happy people that he was there upstairs with Shane and Charlie. We had Andre Patterson, who's coached the defensive line a long time, really take a look at him, and we're happy that we have this young man to help us, and we're going to try to do everything we can to help him.
But there's a long way to go here.
Q. Just how much of a consideration was a quarterback at 3?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, as long as the process is, you go through it, you go through it. This wasn't an easy decision. But throughout the process, it became an easy decision that led us to today. It was a series of events, meetings. It's a very detailed process. Again, pro days, privates, breakfast that Dabs had with him. It leads up to it makes it an easy decision on draft day.
Q. Joe, you mentioned that at the Colorado pro day that things seemed to take a turn with Travis going at two. How much more did you guys put into your evaluation of Abdul, if at all, in that situation?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, Abdul is one of those guys that as a true freshman jumped off the film. If you're just watching anybody against Penn State, he's playing off the ball, he's moving at a different speed than everybody else. So as personnel folks, you're always, man, who's that freshman, like the kid at Ohio State this year, that receiver, like that guy is jumping off the film already. He was one of those guys. So he was on our radar from early on in August, like, we've got to go see Penn State. We have to go see this guy play.
I was able to see him live against Ohio State. I was able to see him live in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame.
He was always a guy that was on our radar that was a special talent, and again, we were just fortunate to be able to land him.
Q. You already have Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns obviously on the edge. What's the vision? How do you guys expect to make that work? A natural assumption by some people is they're going to trade Kayvon. What do you say to that?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we're going to exercise his fifth year option. We've already told him that. That was earlier this week. I know that stuff is out there, but again, you can just throw anything at the wall right now and people go with it.
Kayvon is going to be here. We're excited to have him. You can't have enough pass rushers. Between those guys coming off the edge, Dex (Dexter Lawrence) in the middle, Nacho (Rakeem Nunez-Roches) , Roy Robertson-Harris, I'm excited about the D-line. We added (Jeremiah) Ledbetter, Chauncey Golston. So we're turning the corner where there's some depth at some of these positions, and that will really help us. I'm excited about the group.
Again, just -- we're phase 1, so Shane and his staff and Dabs will get together and figure out the creativity of how they're going to utilize the personnel.
Q. How seriously did you make an attempt to trade up to No. 1, and did you get close or was Tennessee not interested?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we've had conversations going up and back, and again, just it takes two to tango in those situations, and yeah, there wasn't any -- Tennessee stayed and took Cam Ward.
Q: Are you done for the night?
JOE SCHOEN: We'll see.
Q. Joe, you mentioned obviously you can't have enough pass rushers, but knowing the history of this franchise with great pass rushers, how exciting is it to add Abdul to that mix knowing what this team has historically done with good pass rushers?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we were talking on the way down just in terms of adding dawgs and a certain type of mentality, and I would say two years in a row with Malik's (Nabers) competitiveness and the toughness that he plays with, and then you add another guy like that in the first round like Abdul Carter and the motor he plays with and the toughness and the violence, that can really help.
And the identity question was mentioned. That can help develop an identity, those type of players, and the more of those guys that you can acquire, the more that can come to life.
Q. In regards to using Abdul, can you envision stuff with the three of them together, Kayvon and Brian Burns? Is that something you guys have thought about or could envision?
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, potentially.
Q. How did you pitch to Abdul when you were talking to him? What did you tell him?
BRIAN DABOLL: Well, I would say, it's not recruiting. You're not recruiting athletes to come and they get to choose. You get to choose them. But we had very good conversations with him. Again, he's played multiple spots, off the ball linebacker, moved and was very productive on the edge. And he's a very intelligent player. Again, once we get him here and he gets engrained in our system and gets to be around all the guys, there's a long time here before we actually get going here, but we're excited to have him.
Q. Joe, what type of conversations regarding moving up from 34, was that the plan to go in and have a lot of phone calls about that?
JOE SCHOEN: This is an interesting draft so I'm actually excited to go see who's been taken so far because I have no idea. It's going to be interesting. We'll see how the night goes. We'll see -- obviously we're not far from the back end of the first round, so we have five or six players that when you talk about, hey, if they're there, we can talk about it, or we're sitting in a good position tomorrow. When you have the second pick in the second round, people sit around all day on Friday and they fall in love with guys, so you can also turn that into multiple picks, as well.
There's a couple different avenues. I'm just excited to go up there again because we've been so focused on what we're doing, I haven't really heard a lot of rumors on what's going to go on behind us, so I'm excited to -- this is a great time of year for us. It's fun. We put a lot of work into it, so it's fun to see how everything goes and sit up there with the scouting staff and personnel guys and just see what other teams thought of players. It's a fun weekend.
Edge Abdul Carter
Q. I know you said yesterday you kind of had a feeling that it was going to be New York but you just weren't sure. What was the feeling when you got the call and now the fact that you're going to be a Giant?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, it's definitely surreal. I'm pretty much at a loss for words. I'm just really excited, really blessed. I'm just ready to celebrate this moment with my family. It's just really dope.
Q. Why were you so convinced it would be New York when you were talking yesterday?
ABDUL CARTER: I really like to trust my gut, and that's what my gut told me. That's what my family was thinking. Then just meeting with New York, talking with them, it just felt right.
Q. What do you think of playing with (outside linebacker) Brian Burns and (outside linebacker) Kayvon Thibodeaux and (defensive lineman) Dexter Lawrence and that being the defensive line you've got here?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, we're going to be dominant. It's going to be dope just getting to know those guys as a person, getting to know them as men and then getting closer as teammates, and then once we get on the field together, just wreak havoc.
Q. When you were here for your meeting and you posted something, a picture of (former Giants linebacker) Lawrence Taylor, what is your sense of the Giants and their tradition of defense and things like that?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, LT the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time), somebody I look up to, somebody I study and one of the greatest players of all time, just want to follow in his footsteps, just bring dominance back to New York.
Q. Coach Daboll said he had met with you for breakfast at Penn State. What was that breakfast like and getting to know him in that way?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, that's what it was. It was getting to know each other as people. Obviously, he knows what I can do on the field. I know who he is as a coach. But that was more just getting to know me as a person.
Q. Where are you at health-wise with your foot mostly?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I'm all good. I'm ready to get to work. I'm ready to go.
Q. Do you know any of the other guys, like the defensive linemen that I named before, Dexter Lawrence or Brian Burns or Kayvon Thibodeaux?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I definitely know of them for sure, never got to meet them in person, but obviously I'm going to have the opportunity to, and once I get to know those guys, it's going to be all dope.
Q. You also know (tight end) Theo Johnson on the Giants. He said you're somebody that brings a lot of juice. What do you say to that?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I can say the same for him. We used to go at it at practice all the time and in the games. Us two going at it, we both dominated in the game. He's in New York now, I'm going to meet him there. We're going to be going at it in practice. It's going to be all love. It's going to be dope.
Q. What do you bring to the NFL? What do you bring to the Giants? What kind of player do you think you're going to be at that next level?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I'm just trying to be a dominant player. Just got to put the work in, trust my coaching, trust my teammates, make sure my teammates trust me, and then there is no limit on who I can be.
Q. You asked the Penn State staff to give you an opportunity to play more defensive end this year. How much more room do you think there is to reach your ceiling as a player? How much more do you have left in your game after what you showed this year in just one year?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I'm just getting started. That was my first year of playing D-end, so obviously I got a ton more to learn. But even as dominant as I was, I still can grow. I still can get better in so many ways, I couldn't even name them.
Q. Abdul, obviously Lawrence Taylor played a long time before you were around. I'm just curious how you watched him. Did you watch him on YouTube or where did you pick up his clips?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, obviously got to watch YouTube clips. It's hard to find full games, which is the real stuff. But just watching him, seeing his intensity, seeing the way he thinks, just how dominant he was, how unstoppable he was, that's what I aspire to be.
Q. How familiar are you with Kayvon and Brian's game? Have you watched Giants' film in the past yet or watched them last year?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, I'm pretty familiar. They're both great players, dominant players. Can't wait to get in there and work with those guys, compete with those guys. It's going to be fun.
Q. What stands out to you about their games?
ABDUL CARTER: It's just them, Dexter in the middle, them all working together, and just adding me to that group, it's going to be dope. It's going to be the most dominant group.
Q. Do you have an idea yet how the team is going to get you, Kayvon and Brian all on the field together, or is it too early for that?
ABDUL CARTER: No, obviously we'll get into that after we begin, but I'm sure the coaches are going to find a way to get us all in at the same time so we can wreak havoc.
Q. You said it's surreal, this feeling of getting drafted. What's this like for you to go No. 3 and just have this moment?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, it's really just a blessing. It's an opportunity. I just want to take full advantage of it, celebrate this moment with my family. They helped me get here. I wouldn't be here without them, all the sacrifices they've made. I'm at a loss for words, just really blessed, and I'm just thankful.
Q. Coach Daboll said that he liked your position flexibility. Do you like the idea of potentially not only playing defensive end but maybe doing a little bit of playing off ball?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, absolutely. Wherever my coaches need me, that's where I'm going to line up at.
Q. You had said back in the combine that you and your dad had gone to the Super Bowl to cheer the Eagles one more time because you figured you were going to end up somewhere else, and that was going to become your team. At that point did you have any idea that it would just be an hour and a half drive up the turnpike up here to Jersey?
ABDUL CARTER: No, I had no idea, but I'm all New York now. Philly is in the past.
Q. What do you think about the idea of playing in New York and the big city and kind of all that comes with that?
ABDUL CARTER: Yeah, it's dope. My parents are an hour and a half away. They can come and see me anytime they want. It's just really dope being in New York, being in the biggest city in the world. It's really a dream.
Q. What did you have for breakfast when you went with Daboll?
ABDUL CARTER: I think I had some French toast, some eggs, a steak (laughter). I think that's pretty much it.
General Manager Joe Schoen & Coach Brian Daboll on Jaxson Dart
JOE SCHOEN: All right, glad you all didn't go home. Obviously we traded back for Jaxson. Fired up to get him. We went through an extensive quarterback process. It started as far back as last May in terms of evaluating the quarterbacks, and Dabs and I have been through this quite a few times, and at the end of the day we're fired up to have Jaxson Dart as part of the organization and look forward to working with him.
Q. What stood out about him to you and to you?
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I think he's got a lot of qualities you look for in a good quarterback. He's tough, makes good decisions with the football, pushes the ball down the field, has athletic ability, played in a really tough conference, started there at USC as a young guy. But did a really good job throughout this process of our meetings, board work, workouts and the tape that we liked.
Look forward to working with him. Glad he's here, and we'll get started as soon as we can.
Q. Joe, you talked about how early this process started, but you were working on quarterbacks right up through last week. When did Jaxson become the guy that you guys all wanted?
JOE SCHOEN: We were still meeting on Monday this week, so again, just the whole process. Once you finally have all the information -- and it took us a little bit longer to get all the information because of the scheduling and the calendar this year. Once we had all the information, we circled back up in a meeting and we went through it, and even on the plane ride back from our last private workout, we were meeting with the offensive staff, already going through everything.
So it started there and then we circled back up again on Monday, and that's when we shut the door and we went through everything and started to set how we had the quarterbacks.
Q. When did you start looking to move back up to make this? Tell us how that came about and how you decided --
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, it was early to mid 20s. Maybe in the 22, 23 range we started to look to move up. A lot of teams just decided to stay and pick, so again, you try to do deals, you try to move up, and if teams want to stay and pick, there's just not much you can do there. We kept chipping away, and a lot of good relationships with general managers around the league, so easy conversations. The teams that weren't going to move back were up front and pretty straightforward right off the bat, so that allowed us to get ahead of the next team and start working through potential trades.
Q. Were you worried about Pittsburgh at all?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we didn't start until -- they were 21, I believe, so we started after Pittsburgh. Again, we went through all these scenarios before the day started, what we were going to do at 3 and then at what point we thought it would make sense where it was important for us to hold on to pick 65. I'm glad we were able to hold on to that.
I think the pick in the fourth round there at the top is a good pick, too, so try to keep a couple of those picks. So we gave up 99, which was the comp pick, and we were able to pick 65. Still gives us some ammo to draft some more players tomorrow.
Q. When you don't draft a quarterback up high and then you say you want to get one, there's a lot of moving parts that go into this. You have to be confident that these quarterbacks are going to drop. What was your confidence after you take Carter, okay, now we've got to see what happens?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, that's the hard part. There's 31 other teams, and sometimes we assume everybody sees things the way we do. That's not always the case, so again, you take the information you have, you try to gather as much as you can throughout the day, and sometimes you get a feel for what teams are doing and sometimes you have no idea.
Hats off to my staff. They do a great job of making these calls around the league, and the pro scouting staff puts together needs, so we have kind of the top priorities that the teams need, so you go off that. Hey, do we need to move up here, no, not really, they're probably going to go this position or whatever it may be. Very professional in the room, very detailed. It was a collaborative effort amongst the group to be able to execute the way we did.
Q. Joe, did you feel a pressure or an urgency knowing that there were other teams that had yet to pick a quarterback but the feeling in the league was that they were looking for quarterbacks and who might be trying to come up ahead of you guys? What was that process like and how much did you research it and try to feel through it?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, and you do all of those things, and you're not in their buildings, so you don't really know.
So to the best of our ability, we try to project what teams may or may not do. So yeah, there were a few we were a little worried they may go quarterback or somebody behind us could easily come up and take somebody. But we practiced some restraint there at a certain part in the 20s, and again, it paid off, and we were able to get Jaxson for what we did.
Q. Joe, you've actually put years of work into finding this quarterback. You talked a lot about your process in doing that. How gratified are you to finally pull the trigger on a quarterback and really what was it finally that put Jaxson over the top to make him the guy?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, it's been exhausting, to be honest with you. We've been, whether it's here all week and then you go on the road in the fall or all the way up to Easter weekend, we're still on the road. Credit to the coaches, my staff, the film they watch, the area scouts putting us in the correct direction on the quarterbacks to go see.
Yeah, love the staff, love the coaching staff, the collaboration, the way we all work together. It's a very detailed process, and we couldn't do it without the coaches, because I don't know our offense inside and out like they do or what they're going to ask these kids to do, so they do a great job. The coaching staff's ability to, again, Easter weekend be away from their families and go do this stuff.
Credit to them. I'm glad we were able to get a guy that we're convicted on and we like. So yeah, it's gratifying. I'll probably on the ride home be able to decompress, but it was pretty stressful up there the last 15, 20 minutes trying to get this done. I'll probably reflect on it later in the day, but I'm fired up about the two players that we were able to get tonight.
Q. You're such a quarterback guy. You love evaluating quarterbacks. When were you sold on Jaxson and what's your scouting report?
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I'd say, look, we've had conversations all the way up to this morning, actually, about a variety of things. I like the way he plays. I like his competitive fire. I like his accuracy. I like his ability, again, to push the ball down the field. His athletic ability to run with the football.
I know the system that they ran down there at Ole Miss is similar to the one we had at Alabama, so there's some carryover on some of these things.
But I think this guy has gotten better every year he's played. He's a leader. He was smart. He has the attributes that we were looking for. Excited to have him. Look forward to getting him in the room. He's got a lot to learn. It'll be a process here with him. But he's a guy we look forward to working with.
Q. Joe, how would you describe his personality, his temperament, et cetera?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, outgoing. He's an outgoing kid from our meetings with him. He's personable. We've had multiple dinners with him. We met with him at the Senior Bowl. On the field he's fiery. You see him, like we're going to probably have to teach him how to slide. You watch him, he's trying to run people over, in the Senior Bowl, too. It's like, dude, you're in an all-star game, you probably shouldn't trying to be run that linebacker over, and he did that in the game.
He's tough. He's competitive. You see the leadership, seeing him in games, seeing him live. He's not afraid to get on guys.
You guys will get to meet him tomorrow, and I'm sure you'll enjoy visiting with him.
Q. What kind of feedback did you get from Eli?
JOE SCHOEN: He broke all those records, but Eli likes him. Big fan. Archie, as well. Yeah, so the family, they obviously -- Ole Miss through and through and follow him and watch a lot of their games, so they were definitely fans of Jaxson.
Q. What games did you see and what stood out in those games?
JOE SCHOEN: The Egg Bowl. I went to the Egg Bowl this year. We went from Dallas, we stayed over after the Dallas game on Thanksgiving, went to the Egg Bowl and then the Iron Bowl. Again, we had been studying him, and to me, the accuracy -- a lot of stuff that Daboll talked about, accuracy, anticipation, there's athleticism, he's not a statue in the pocket. Again, the ability to throw the deep ball, intermediate throws, short throws, a lot of RPO stuff.
But again, he's in a really good spot where he can come in and he can sit behind a couple of veteran quarterbacks and learn and doesn't have to be thrown out there right away. I think from a developmental standpoint and the ability to grow, I think it's a perfect situation for a young quarterback.
Q. In an ideal world, would you like him to sit; you said you're fine with him sort of learning --
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I'd say all that will play out. Russ (Russell Wilson) will be our starter, and that's how it'll be once we get started here in the spring. Look, the process of developing a quarterback is just that. So we're going to do everything we can to develop him and bring him along. We have some good quarterbacks in the room relative to play time, experience, some medals on the wall, if you will. They've done a great job here these first four days. It's really early, phase one, but the two of those guys that we've added have added a lot of value already to the room in terms of leadership and communication. It's been four days, so there's a long way to go with both of those guys. But again, I want to make this about Jaxson, his night.
Young player, I think he's got a good skill set, and look forward to developing it with him.
Q. What do you think that Russ and Jameis Winston can show Jaxson?
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, that's a fair question. They're learning our offense right now, so they need to worry about Russ and Jameis. They've great teammates. They've been great teammates these first four days to be around them, as are some of the other guys that Joe and the staff brought in. Very happy with the additions that we've made in terms of people but leadership, too. (Jevon) Holland has been fantastic. But those guys got a lot to learn. Four days in, we're developing a system around them, and we'll add some of the things that Jaxson does well when he's out there participating.
But they need to focus on doing their job the best that they can do. Their leadership has been very good with all the rooms the first four days.
Q. Obviously you had a choice of high-profile quarterbacks when you were on the clock. Did you consider Shedeur Sanders at all at that point?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, again, we went through an extensive process and we moved up for Jaxson. Again, we're fired up to have him. But at the end of the day when we went through the process and we ranked them, this is how we had them ranked, and Jaxson we felt the value matched up with where we saw the player.
Q. You talked about taking a swing when you were at the combine. How important is it from where you guys are to take a swing on what you hope will be your future quarterback?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, I guess we took three since that comment I made --
Q. Well, I don't think Russell will be here in 10 years, Jaxson might be.
JOE SCHOEN: Right. Swings. Again, we traded up for him. We're ecstatic to have him. He's got a lot of makings of a good quarterback, and there's a long way to go. There's a developmental process that he's going to have to go through. Again, these offenses are not easy to learn, and the execution has to be at a high level.
Again, we took three swings since the combine and added three new quarterbacks to the room, and I'm excited about the makeup of the room, too.
Q. Joe, you said you were meeting up until Monday about what you guys were going to do at quarterback. How challenging were the deliberations about -- you do all this work on Shedeur, do all this work on Jaxson. How did that go? Take us behind the scenes on how you came to the decision.
BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I would say it's very similar to how they've always gone. There's a lot of good communication with I'd say a select number of people that have studied the players, that have been on all the trips, that have been in all the meetings, and everybody has opinions. They're good opinions to have.
Again, I can't emphasize, Dennis (Hickey), Tim (McDonnell), Brandon (Brown), Joe (Schoen), (Mike) Kafka, Shea (Tierney), Chad Hall, that group that has worked on this. Everybody had thoughts and opinions and rankings, and then once you sit down and you sit down with the eight or nine people that are talking about it, you generally come up with a consensus of here's this guy, here's this guy, here's this guy. It's a good process. Like Joe said, it's a lot of work. It is a lot of work. You watch a lot of tape. You have a lot of visits. But it's fun. It's fun to get to meet these guys.
Q. Joe, you've talked about needing the right personality to be a quarterback here in this market. What is it about Jaxson's personality or his makeup makes you think that he can do this job in this setting the way you laid it out?
JOE SCHOEN: Yeah, we try to gauge that as well as we can, and that's a difficult question that none of us really know until you get here and understand what the New York market is and what it's like playing in that market.
Again, his resilience, he's tough, he's competitive, takes hits, gets back up, he's running people over. Just the makeup of the kid and the way he's wired, he's going to keep getting up and competing, and that's one of the things that we really liked about him.
BRIAN DABOLL: I'd say there's a process, too, when he gets here in terms of developing this player. I don't expect him to know everything right off the bat. It's a hard position to play, a hard position to coach. But he has the traits that we look for and covet in a guy to be able to learn and grow.
So his expectations coming in is just to improve every day, soak it up like a sponge, learn from the coaches, learn from the veteran quarterbacks in the room, try to improve every day he can in terms of his understanding of the system. And then once we get on the field, the physical part of it, that's what we're looking for from him right now is to grow each and every day with a positive mindset, and I think he has the tools physically and mentally to do that.
View photos from quarterback Jaxson Dart's collegiate career at Mississippi and USC.
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is pressured by Red defensive end Jared Ivey (15) in the first half of The Grove Bowl, Mississippi's NCAA college spring football game, Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scores a running touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to throw the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws as offensive lineman Quincy McGee (67) blocks Georgia defensive lineman Tramel Walthour (90) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) prepares the hand the ball off during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (21) hits Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) as Dart releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (4) pressures Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart signals for the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass against Vanderbilt during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) attempts to evade a tackle by Vanderbilt linebacker Ethan Barr (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reaches for a first down while getting tackled by Vanderbilt linebacker Jeffrey Ugochukwu (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Mississippi won 33-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) takes a snap while offensive lineman Micah Pettus (57) sets up to block Vanderbilt defensive back Miles Capers (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes the ball against Vanderbilt during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) carries the ball against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) carries the ball in for a touchdown against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) flips the ball to Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) caries for a first down against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) carries the ball in for a touchdown against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass as he is pressured by Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod second right, and linebacker Austin Keys (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, hands the ball to running back Matt Jones (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs for a touchdown against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) stretches in for a touchdown against Wake Forest defensive back Rushaun Tongue (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) slides after a run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dodges Mississippi State defenders as he runs for a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) prepares to run a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 52-3 (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dodges Mississippi State defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy (94) and linebacker Jett Johnson (44) on a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Mississippi won 35-3. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is tackled by a Mississippi State player as he releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) fakes a hand off to running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks for a receiver against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), looks for a receiver against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes while being pressured by Mississippi State linebacker Branden Jennings (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles for yardage as Florida defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) follows during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles for yardage against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass the ball against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks for a receiver against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles for yardage against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass to running back Rashad Amos (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) and Mississippi wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) are seen pre snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles for yardage against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles for yardage against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) communicates with the fans during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) out of the pocket as he looks for an open receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game, against Mississippi State, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 26-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first quarter of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) drops back against Duke during the first quarter of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before facing Duke in the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dodges a tackle-attempt by Mississippi State defensive lineman Trevion Williams, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dodges a tackle attempt by Mississippi State defensive lineman Trevion Williams (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 26-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, runs against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reaches for a snapped ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 26-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) celebrates after throwing a 62 yard touchdown pass against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, top left, is tackled by Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith, bottom, after running for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks for a receiver during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) prepares to run a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) prepares to run a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) celebrates with teammates after throwing a touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins (11) against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) celebrates after throwing a 62-yard touchdown pass against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) stands on the field during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
University of Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks for his receiver during an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma University, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 26-14. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
University of Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) launches a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is pressured by South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is pressured by South Carolina defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs against LSU safety Sage Ryan (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass for a 57-yard gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the first half an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass past Troy linebacker Carlton Martial (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes the ball during the second half an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Henry Parrish Jr. (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a short pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Vanderbilt linebacker Kane Patterson (19) brings down Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi won 52-28. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is upended by Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (1) after a short run during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Blue quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) leaps into the air as he passes in the first half of The Grove Bowl, Mississippi's NCAA college spring football game, Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Oxford, Miss. The Red team won 48-36. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi won 52-28. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) tries to evade the defense of Vanderbilt defensive lineman Nate Clifton (90) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi won 52-28. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Mississippi won 22-19. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before an NCAA college football game between Mississippi and Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes as offensive lineman Micah Pettus (57) blocks and Vanderbilt defensive end Darren Agu (92) defends during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi won 52-28. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA college football game against Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi won 52-28. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to wide receiver JJ Henry (86) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Mississippi won 22-19. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Mississippi won 22-19. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass past Tulsa safety Kendarin Ray (1) and safety Bryson Powers (21) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) fakes a hand off to running back Zach Evans (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass to tight end Michael Trigg (0) during the first half an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Zach Evans (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass under pressure from Tulsa defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass to tight end Michael Trigg (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Tulsa safety Bryson Powers (21) tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Mississippi won 35-27. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) catches a snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Central Arkansas defensive lineman Jalen Bedell, left, pressures Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) who attempts to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs in the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Georgia Tech Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is brought down by Georgia Tech defensive back Derrik Allen (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) drops to pass during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass under pressure from Troy linebacker Richard Jibunor (9) and defensive tackle Luis Medina (95) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hands the ball off to running back Zach Evans (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Troy in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart watches a pass against Central Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. Mississippi won 59-3. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) jumps to pass as offensive lineman Caleb Warren (54) runs behind him to block any Central Arkansas defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles out of the pocket against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) rolls out to pass against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) reacts after tackling Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) by the face mask during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young (47) tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) gets away from Texas A&M defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (35) and defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) for a first down scramble during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws an 18-yard touchdown pass against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis (15) wraps up Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) after a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes down field against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dives for a touchdown past Georgia Tech defensive back Ahmari Harvey (18) during the first half an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) cut down by Texas A&M defensive back Marquis Groves-Killebrew (19) after picking up a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) avoids a tackle attempt by Texas A&M defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) and lineman Walter Nolen (88) for a first down scramble during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
LSU defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (99) and safety Joe Foucha (13) tackle Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dives for a touchdown past Georgia Tech defensive back Ahmari Harvey (18) during the first half an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) tries to evade a tackle attempt by Auburn cornerback Keionte Scott (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Mississippi won 48-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Georgia Tech linebacker Paul Moala (13) tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) sets up to pass against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Mississippi won 48-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a touchdown pass it tight end Michael Trigg, not pictured, in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Mississippi won 37-20. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reacts after rushing for a first down near the Tulane goal line in the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Mississippi won 37-20. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mercer defensive lineman Chris Hill tackles Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Mississippi won 27-20. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reacts after a Mississippi touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Texas Tech defensive back Tyler Owens (18) upends the run by Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Texas Tech defensive back Tyler Owens, left, catches Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, for the tackle on a keeper play during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes the ball as Mississippi defensive tackle Jamond Gordon (97) closes in during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hurdles LSU safety Andre' Sam (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Mississippi 55-49. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Mississippi State won 24-22. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hurdles LSU safety Andre' Sam (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Mississippi 55-49. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is tackled for a loss by a Mississippi State defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is tackled for a loss by a Mississippi State defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Mississippi State won 24-22. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes against Mississippi State during an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Mississippi State won 24-22. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) works away from pressure from Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, top, hurdles LSU safety Andre' Sam (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) scrambles from pressure during the first half of an NCAA football game against LSU on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws the ball against LSU during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to the sideline before a play during the first half an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws the ball against LSU during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) hits Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) on fourth down, causing an errant throw, to end Mississippi's final threat during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) hand the ball off to running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the second half an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. No. 17 Mississippi won 48-23. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looks to pass during the first half an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) dives for a touchdown past Georgia Tech defensive back Ahmari Harvey (18) during the first half an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass while pressured by Washington State linebacker Jahad Woods (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass against California during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) looses a pass against California during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass over California defenders during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. Southern California won 45-14. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) takes a high snap during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) rolls out to his right against California during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass while being tackled by BYU linebacker Ben Bywater (33) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) celebrates a touchdown against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Brigham Young in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws a pass during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Mississippi (2) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), of Mississippi, during warmups for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), of Mississippi, during warmups for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart, center, of Mississippi, throws a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Mississippi throws a pass during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to pass a ball during an offensive passing drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart sets up to pass during an offensive passing drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart passes a ball during an offensive passing drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart catches a ball during an offensive passing drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart passes to a teammate during a offensive drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Quarterback Jaxson Dart
Q. What did he (Head Coach Brian Daboll) tell you?
JAXSON DART: He just said how was the first media.
Q. How often was he keeping in touch with you throughout the process? I know he was texting you often I heard.
JAXSON DART: Yeah, so coach would text me a lot, and man, I would say like two weeks ago he kind of died off, so I didn't know what to expect. But no, I felt like – I don't know, I just had a good feeling about this. I just felt like this was going to work.
Q. Did you hit it off with him right away?
JAXSON DART: Yeah. Coach Dabes (Head Coach Brian Daboll), it was a super easy connection I felt like, from just a personality standpoint. I felt like his competitive edge just really fits kind of how I approach everything.
I felt like it started off easy and then we continued to grow from there. Obviously over this much time, we've just grown a stronger connection.
This is a coach that I want to be coached by no doubt.
Q. I guess he had a lot to do with (Bills quarterback) Josh Allen's success. Did you see that from afar and does that encourage you more?
JAXSON DART: Oh, 100 percent, 100 percent. Obviously going into this process and then at the same time watching Josh's success from afar, I got to see that just as a football fan. I think that anytime you see success like that and just as a competitor, as a quarterback, you really appreciate that from a coach. You definitely want to be coached by somebody just like that.
Q. What was this evening like for you, waiting and waiting and waiting and not knowing?
JAXSON DART: Yeah, I was just trying to keep my mind occupied. I was able to have a lot of family in town and friends, so I was really just walking around saying hi to everybody, just telling them how thankful I was that they were able to come and support, which was a huge reason why I decided to do it in Utah, because I felt like this was bigger than me.
I was just grateful for the people that I was surrounded by during this time, and I couldn't ask for better people in my corner.
But yeah, at times the night went a little slower than I kind of thought. But couldn't be more happy to be in this position that I'm in.
Q. At the combine we talked a little bit about what it would be like to sit behind a veteran. That could be the situation here, obviously. I don't know what they've told you about that. How prepared are you for that? That's something new for you, right?
JAXSON DART: Yeah, it's definitely new, but for me, this is just where my journey starts. I'm stepping into an amazing room with a Super Bowl winning quarterback who can see it from a different lens at such an elite level. I can't wait to go learn from him, go learn from all the other guys in (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito) and (quarterback) Jameis (Winston) in the room and then just the team as a whole. I feel like it's just a bunch of great competitors who really see it the same way, and I can't wait to go out there and compete and do all that I can to make the team better.
Q. Jaxson, I don't know how much you've studied the Giants' offense, but what do you know of it and what do you like about it?
JAXSON DART: I just love how versatile it is. It's a well-balanced offense who can attack every blade of grass, every level, and Coach Daboll does an amazing job of putting his players in the best situation to succeed, and I think that's all you can ask for from a quarterback and from an offense as a whole.
At the same time, we have some young pieces who I think that we can continue to grow off of and then some vets who have done it at the highest levels and won some of the biggest games.
I can't wait to be a part of that and really just learn and absorb as much as I can.
Q. At the Senior Bowl you told us that you're obviously very close to the Manning family. How does it feel now that you're going to be following in Eli's footsteps here in New York?
JAXSON DART: It's wild. It's wild to think about. They were just such an amazing asset for me when I was at Ole Miss. Obviously going down to the Manning Passing Academy and spending more time with them there, and then Archie just being consistent with texting me, and he made sure to give me a good luck today, and then Eli, I couldn't ask for a better resource than that. In my eyes he's going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer here shortly. I'm going to continue to lean on them a little bit, and I couldn't be more blessed to have them in my corner.
Q. Did they reach out to you tonight, and what was their message to you?
JAXSON DART: Well, I saw that they reached out before and they were just wishing me good luck. Quite honestly I haven't really been able to check my phone that much. I've just been celebrating with my family.
Q. You obviously had Trey as your top target and he happened to be teammates in high school with who I imagine is eventually going to be your top target here. Have you gotten a scouting report on (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) yet?
JAXSON DART: Yeah, (Ole Miss wide receiver) Tre (Harris) raved about having (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers). Tre was, like you said, his quarterback in high school, and he raved about that through all of our years at Ole Miss together. It's also been cool because having Tre as one of my best friends, he's brought me close to Malik, as well.
I remember talking to him when I was on my visit and continued to keep him in the loop of things. Yeah, he's going to be here shortly the best receiver in the NFL. Grateful to have him and be able to play with him.
Q. What was it like to get that call and to learn you were going to be a Giant?
JAXSON DART: I mean, it was unreal. It was emotional for sure. You can anticipate, you can expect and try to make predictions about how you're going to feel in that moment, but there's nothing that you can do to really prepare yourself for that phone call.
I was overcome with emotion a little bit, but I was just super excited. Like I've said to a lot of people, this is the place that I wanted to be. Just really grateful for this.
Q. The Giants made their pick at 3 and then obviously weren't going to pick again until tomorrow night. Did you have any sense or indication that this could happen, that they could trade back up to get you like this?
JAXSON DART: I think you can see things play out and you can have a little bit of expectations, but at the end you never know what's going to happen. I was just kind of trying to live in the moment. I was able to see my boy (former Ole Miss defensive tackle) Walter Nolen get picked and I was so excited for him, and yeah, I was just trying to enjoy the time with my family because this only happens once. I was just trying to stay in the moment right here.
Q. How do you embrace the expectation as the new, the next franchise quarterback of the Giants in a market like New York?
JAXSON DART: Yeah, as a competitor, you want to play on the biggest stages. You want to play in front of the most passionate fans, most world renowned program and organization. That's just kind of what I wanted to be a part of.
I felt like my process of getting to this moment, I just feel like I'm built for it. I'm really excited to go after it with everything that I've got.
Q. Does your personality fit in this city do you think?
JAXSON DART: No doubt. (Laughter.)
Q. Why is that? Why do you think that?
JAXSON DART: I don't know, I just feel like I got an edge to me. I feel like everybody in the city does, as well. So let's get to it.
Q. You had mentioned that Daboll was peppering you with texts for a while and then it kind of went quiet, and I don't know if you saw the reports that they were going to work out other quarterbacks. I'm curious if you were aware of that, and did you start doubting at all where you thought you stood, and how did that process play out for you?
JAXSON DART: It's almost kind of like the early stages of dating, I would say. You go on dates with different people and that's what Coach Daboll was doing, and I felt confident in the relationship that we had, so yeah, I saw all of it. But at the same time I just felt confident in the preparation that I had for my meetings with them, how I did at the combine, how I did – really just my tape throughout my career, and then all the meetings that we had. I felt like I gave it all that I got.
I just felt like that spoke for itself, as well as our relationship.
Step into the draft room as the Giants select Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Subscribe to Giants Text Alerts to stay up to date on breaking news, ticket offers, gameday entertainment, and more!
