by DAVE HUTCHINSON, STAR-LEDGER STAFF , The Star-Ledger

As offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer entered Day 2 of the installation of the offense yesterday at minicamp, he said Sanchez has kept pace. He compared him favorably to quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, whom he worked with in San Diego.

"The install that we put in (at rookie minicamp) is the exact same install we did with the veterans," Schottenheimer said. "We did that for a reason. We wanted to challenge these guys. ... Not to make comparisons, but (Sanchez) is really bright. Philip was bright. (Sanchez) has the ability to retain a lot of information. He is working at it. It's not something that comes totally naturally to him."

Sanchez, who held another unscheduled meeting Friday night - this one with the offensive line to discuss protections - also has the ability to snap back from a poor practice. After a so-so morning session that he described as "decent," he came out humming in the afternoon workout. He hit his first six passes in seven-on-seven drills and finished 12-of-15. He connected on 2 of 4 passes in 11-on-11 drills.

Schottenheimer said he has been surprised by Sanchez's accuracy and applauded his moxie and footwork. But he said the former USC star needs to work on getting out of the huddle faster and stop missing comeback routes to the inside because that's where they can get intercepted.

Sanchez will fly home this afternoon following today's lone practice. He is scheduled to graduate May 15 with a degree in communication and return to the area May 18.

RB Shonn Greene, 5-11, 235 pounds, has impressed and frustrated coach Rex Ryan, who poked good-natured fun at the third-round pick.

"I love the way guys bounce off him," Ryan said. "Unfortunately, some of the passes bounce off him, too."

After one pass, Ryan said he overheard an exchange between Sanchez and Greene. As Sanchez was saying he could've maybe put the ball in a better spot, Greene admitted, "I just don't catch it very well."

Greene must also improve his pass protection, Ryan said.

Rookie free-agent tryout TE Jack Simmons (Minnesota) and ex-Cleveland State basketball star J'Nathan Bullock, who is trying to catch on as a tight end, each made several nifty grabs yesterday. Bullock, 6-5, 240 pounds, averaged 15 points and seven rebounds, both team highs, as he led the Vikings to the NCAA Tournament.

The Jets, however, need a blocking tight end and Ryan applauded Simmons' blocking technique.

The coach said the team will keep its options open regarding signing a veteran.

Free-agent CB Manny Collins (Rutgers) had a rough day. He dropped an interception and was beaten a couple of times.

Rookie QB Chris Pizzotti (Harvard) could challenge Erik Ainge for the third quarterback spot. Ryan, always looking to keep things light, razzed Pizzotti about taking too long to get a play off, cracking, "Don't over-think it, Harvard." Later, he referred to Pizzotti as a "curve buster." ... The Jets are trying FB Jehuu Caulcrick as an H-back.

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