Jets rookie Calvin Pryor: 'I will prove people wrong'

Calvin Pryor's rookie season has been full of more downs than ups, but the New York Jets safety is determined to show people he has what it takes to be successful in the NFL.

"I will prove people wrong," Pryor told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "No doubt about it."

Pryor, the 18th overall pick of May's draft, has 46 tackles and half a sack in 14 games. He was benched at the midpoint of the season in favor of Jaiquawn Jarrett after the coaching staff became unhappy with him showing up late for meetings, but he insists he's changed his ways.

"That's definitely behind me," Pryor said of his tardiness. "Early for everything."

Despite his struggles, Pryor has already won over many in the Jets organization with his high football IQ.

"I don't see any reason why he won't fulfill those expectations," defensive backs coach Tim McDonald said. "He understands the game.

"... He's got such a high ceiling. There's no doubt in my mind he's going to get that ceiling. The more time you spend with him you see that he has that gift, he has that moxie. He's going to be a hell of a football player."