Jets' Hackenberg: College struggles will 'help me in the long run'

New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg says the difficulties he endured in college have helped make him into a better player.

"I think you're defined by how you react to adversity and how you're able to get back up," Hackenberg told reporters on the first day of Jets rookie minicamp Friday, according to NJ.com's Darryl Slater.

"So I think ultimately, having to go through that at a young age and doing it through college is only going to help me in the long run. That's how I've compartmentalized that, and that's how it's really been a stepping stone for me moving forward. I think it's only going to help."

Hackenberg was touted as a possible first overall pick after an impressive freshman season at Penn State. His significant struggles the next two years led to it being a minor surprise when the Jets selected him as high as the second round.

Hackenberg called his time with the Jets a "fresh start" and indicated he expects to succeed as a pro.

"I'm confident in what I can do," he said. "Understanding that we've got to get better in some areas, and I've got to get better in my own areas. I'm ready to focus on that."