Standing 5 feet, 9 inches Eric Coleman was a fifth-round selection by the Jets in 2004 out of Washington State. That year he started all 16 regular-season games and achieved 4 interceptions and finished third on the squad with 89 tackles 2 sacks and a fumble recovery. Eric was named AFC Defensive Rookie of the Week after picking off Carson Palmer to seal the Jets' opening week win over CIN. He also garnered AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in September.

Rumored as being too slow and not big enough to play in the NFL. Eric overcame perceptions and proved himself on the field.

"I'm not your prototype safety," Coleman said. "I'm short and not the fastest player on the field. But I play with a big heart. You can't match that."

At Washington State, Eric was team captain and started 32 of 45 games for the Cougars. He ranks sixth on WSU's career-interception list with 12 interceptions for 94 yards in returns and a pair of touchdowns. He posted 234 tackles (147 solos), 21 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks for the Cougars. On special teams he returned 25 kickoffs for 556 yards (22.2 avg.) and 15 punts for 102 yards (6.l8 avg.).

His high school achievements include earning three letters in football as a running back, defensive back and kick returner at Lewis & Clarke in Spokane, Washington.

As a senior, Eric rushed for 1,187 yards, scored 13 touchdowns, picked off a team-high six passes and earned team MVP honors.

You can E-mail Eric Coleman at 26_player@gametimesports.net