Monday, October 20, 2014

Harvin excited to work with Geno, blessed to have Vick

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Geno Smith looks like he'll continue to run the offense for the New York Jets, but it's Michael Vick that newly signed wide receiver Percy Harvin is excited to see.

Harvin, who was acquired for a conditional pick this past week, grew up in the same area of eastern Virginia as Vick. The two have reportedly been close for some time, and the new addition to Gang Green is looking forward to having his mentor close by.

"I’ve been in touch with him throughout my whole career," Harvin said via the team's website. "Whenever I needed advice or I just wanted to hang out, he’s a go-to guy. Being here with him, man, it’s a blessing."

Harvin brings yet another layer of versatility to a Jets offensive squad that's still looking to get into a groove following a tough string of games to start the season. 

The 26-year-old is notoriously deadly in space, accumulating nearly 800 rushing yards in his six-year career to go along with his 3,400-plus receiving yards. The speedster is also a threat on special teams, scoring five touchdowns in six years in an area the Jets could certainly use some help. 

Or, as tackle Breno Giacomini aptly put it Monday, "he catches the ball and runs really fast."

"I’m loving what I’m seeing so far,” Harvin said. "They got off to a slow start, but with Geno [Smith], I’m liking what I’m seeing out of the last few games. I’m looking forward to playing along with [Eric] Decker. I’ve watched him for a long time. 

"There’s a lot of pieces here so I’m looking to just fit in, make my plays when I can and being a great teammate."

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