Jets’ Joe McKnight: ‘They’ll have to kill me to take my spot’

Joe McKnight, a multipurpose back out of USC, said Thursday that “they’ll have to kill me to take my spot” on the New York Jets’ roster.

The fourth-year running back, who has struggled with injuries and offensive productivity, denied he was angry when it was suggested he was being pushed out of the picture with four other running backs in camp, including veterans Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson.

“I’m not angry at all,” McKnight said at the team’s training facility in Florham Park, N.J. “I’m just tired of people writing or running their mouths talking about I’m not going to be here. I’m going to prove it to them that I’ll be here.

“Whoever they bring in, I don’t care. You understand that? I don’t care who they bring in. They’ll have to kill me to take my spot.”

In three seasons with the Jets, McKnight has gained 502 yards in 112 carries and had 17 receptions for 177 yards. He’s scored twice for the Jets, both on kick returns, including a record 107-yard return in 2011.

When asked about the team’s new offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, the former Trojans standout was positive the Jets’ new West Coast-style offense would be a good fit for him.

“I like Coach Mornhinweg,” McKnight said. “I mean, it’s a new offense and it’s based on your playmaking ability ... what are you going to do on the field to get open and make a play. It’s fun.

“All four of us are going to have to have our own package,” McKnight said, taking into account the number of running backs the team probably will carry. “Whatever package we’ll be in, sometimes we might be on the field together. You just never know. We just know we’ll have our own package.”

ALSO:

Drivers reach speeds above 220 mph in Indy 500 practice

David Beckham says he’s going to retire at end of season

The 20 greatest Dodgers of all time, No. 2: Jackie Robinson