LUMBERTON — Kenwin Cummings learned a lot during his first season with the New York Jets.

While paramount, the most important lessons weren't about reading the eyes of the quarterback or deciding when to drop into zone coverage.

"You can never take a step back from anything," said Cummings, a graduate of Purnell Swett High School. "Some of the older guys might have their spot and sometimes they might want you to go easy. But, you have to just go hard against everybody. Every-day. Sometimes you have to be the bad guy. The guy no one likes on the field."

Jets first-year head coach Rex Ryan employs a defensive alignment that utilizes only three down-lineman and four linebackers.

Cummings plays middle linebacker in that system.

Despite the signings of several free agent defenders, Cummings feels he has a great chance to make the Jets' game day roster.

"The transition from one system to another has been good," Cummings said. "I just slid in where they told me to and it went well. I'm definitely going in with the mentality that I'm going to play and contribute."

Cummings, a native of Maxton, said living in New York took some getting used to.

After all, Maxton's population stands at 2,629 while the New York metropolitan area, the largest in the United States, has a jaw-dropping 18.8 million residents.

"The city is crazy," he said. "Coming from Robeson County... you go to New York City, where there are that many people on a block. It's a faster lifestyle then back here."

Ryan isn't the only first-year member of the Jets that has received a lot of media attention.

In April's NFL Draft, the Jets traded up to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick.

"We knew there was a situation with quarterback since Brett Favre left," Cummings said. "We didn't know how it was going to work out though. He (Sanchez) is a nice, talented guy and I think he's going to do well in the NFL."

Cummings, who played for Frank Jernigan at Swett, will report for training camp on July 30.

"If you're not hungry, you won't make it in the NFL," he said. "There's constantly guys trying to take your spot. It's a battle every single day. The coaching staff is always looking to replace you with someone better."

Cummings starred at NCAA Division II Wingate and led the South Atlantic Conference in quarterback sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (18) in 2007.