FOR RELEASE
July 25, 2001


JETS SIGN 2^ND and 3^RD ROUND SELECTIONS RB JORDAN AND T MCKENZIE AND ADD FA PLACE KICKER                                

The New York Jets announced today that they have signed Lamont Jordan, their second round pick from the University of Maryland, Kareem McKenzie, their third round selection from Penn State University and free agent place kicker Derek Schorejs from Bowling Green.  Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

While at Maryland, Jordan set Terrapin records for career rushing yards (4,147), attempts (807), touchdowns (36) and 100-yard games (18).  The 5-10 230-pound RB also gained 737 yards on 76 receptions during his collegiate career.   Jordan will provide depth at tailback behind Curtis Martin.

“Lamont is an outstanding player,” said Jets Director of Player Personnel Dick Haley at the time of Jordan’s selection.  “He’s a big, strong fast guy.  I don’t think there are any questions that he can put up big numbers as far as yardage.”

McKenzie, chosen No. 79 overall, is a 6-6 327-pound tackle who was a 3-year starter for the Nittany Lions.  He became only the 5^th Nittany Lion to earn All-Big Ten Conference honors 3 times in a career.

Following McKenzie’s selection, Jets general manager Terry Bradway said, “Kareem has started 36 straight games.  He’s a big athlete and we’re pleased to have him in our program.”

Schorejs signed with the Cleveland Browns on April 24, 2001.  He spent the 1999 summer training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Browns waived the first-year kicker on July 24 of this year.

The Jets have signed five of their six draft picks.  Players will report to camp on July 28 and are scheduled for their first practice July 30 under new head coach Herman Edwards at the Jets Weeb Ewbank Hall training complex at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.