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Tonight, HBO premieres it’s annual docudrama ‘Hard Knocks,]’ which follows an NFL team through training camp. This time, the New York Jets are at the center of the action. TheBVX caught up with Michigan-Wolverine-turned-Jets rookie Donovan Warren for the low down on life as a league newcomer.
How has NFL summer training camp been treating you?
It’s a different experience learning the defenses and picking up all the little nuances. I’m playing a lot faster, not doing so much thinking out there and getting more comfortable by taking it all one day at a time. I’m also learning in the film room, from my coaches and the veteran players.

What’s life like for a Jets rookie?

Carrying other people’s helmets and shoulder pads after practice. Those are definitely my rookie moments right now, but we have more to come. It’s probably like putting on a rookie show, and I’m doing all the dirty work. I’m a young buck right now who’s just working my way up. I know what it’s like to work. It’s not the easiest thing in the world, but I knew coming into this league it wasn’t going to be easy.

Does practicing on the campus of SUNY Cortland in upstate New York bring back memories of your Michigan days?

The dorms are a little bit nicer than where I stayed in Michigan during my freshman year. But it is a secluded little area, and I’m bonding with my teammates and learning the different personalities. I grew up watching some of these guys on TV and now I’m playing with them.

Who were you the most in awe of when you came to camp?

Playing next to Antonio Cromartie after I watched him while I was growing up. He’s a real big player, but he is really down to earth and willing to help. I said to myself, “Wow I can’t believe I’m playing with him.”

Roommates from hell and camp go hand in hand, so how’s your living situation?

I am rooming with Kyle Wilson, a cornerback. He is a Jersey guy, and he’s been my roommate for two or three months now. He is kind of like myself. He goes hard each and every day just trying to get better. Even though he was a first round draft pick, Kyle doesn’t act like it.

Are you excited about your HBO television debut in ‘Hard Knocks’? What was the experience like?

The first few days the camera men were at camp, you kind of noticed them. But after that, you really just forgot about them. So I have no idea what is going to be on that show tonight. I’m looking forward to it and see how they put everything together.

What is your worst fear about the show’s debut?

I really don’t know if I have a fear, but I do hope I’m on there doing my thing and representing my family right. My people and my parents will definitely be watching.

What couldn’t you survive training camp without?My laptop because my family is so far away, so I Skype a lot with my friends back home. My communication with my real close people keeps me grounded and focused. I’m not real big on Twitter or Facebook, so I’ve been focusing on camp and trying to get better.

What music gets you hyped for competition?

The Game and Snoop Dogg.

What’s been the biggest surprise about joining the NFL?

It’s a very difficult gam,e and at this level, everybody is a competitor and talented. It’s not easy to make it in the NFL and you have to be dedicated and work hard to stick around.

What kind of leader is your quarterback Mark Sanchez?

He’s great. He invited some of the rookies over his house for a barbecue. I played against him in high school, and he actually completed a pretty mean pass against me. That was the first time I ever really got beat, so I’ll never forget that. But now I have his gun on my team so I’m good.

Is coach Rex Ryan as “out there” as we think?

He’s really good at teaching and guiding us through this process. During certain parts of practice, he actually gets in there with us and plays quarterback so we call him Dan Marino. He’s in there tossing balls just like Marino.