Coples sure is a quick learner

Quinton Coples hasn’t wasted any time getting to work.

Within five days of receiving 10 DVDs of last year’s defensive front, Coples said he’s already grasped “a majority” of the playbook.

Such a declaration -- on the first day of rookie mini-camp, no less -- naturally drew a smile from Rex Ryan.

“We love the fact that he thinks he has it down,” the Jets coach said following Friday's practice. “Cause this is one practice and he’s got like four defenses in. And our library’s a little more extensive than that, you know what I mean?

“That’s good. I like his confidence. And the great thing is, we will hold him to it now. So in the meetings, that’ll be our first question. We’ll come up with something for him.”

When the Jets initially drafted Coples with the 16th overall pick, Ryan said the UNC defensive end would play with his hands in the dirt when he got to the Jets. Earlier this week, however, general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the first-rounder would start with his hand in the dirt then move outside.

When asked again on Friday to clarify the team’s position plan for Coples, the coach said: “Could we stand him up as a rush position? Yes we can. He has that kind of ability. He can run and obviously he’s got that length that you look for.”

Coples -- who, by Ryan’s count, had six unofficial sacks in practice -- said his longterm goal is to show everyone that he can compete at the pro level and on a national stage. But his immediate goal is to understand the Jets’ defensive schemes.

“I’m excited about being a part of his defense,” he said of Ryan. “And I’m excited about him coaching me and helping me become great.”