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Steve McLendon knows he got a contract from the Jets to, at least on paper, fill the nose tackle spot vacated when Damon Harrison left in free agency.

But McLendon told NJ.com he’s focused on being the best player he can be, not on being the next “Snacks” Harrison or even his true replacement.

“He was like the traditional nose tackle, do it all,” McLendon said of Harrison. “Big, strong, explosive. I’m not as big as him. My game is built off quickness and strength. I try to stay light. Using my hands a little bit more, because I know I’m probably not going to be able to … I mean, I can hold double teams.

“But big Damon Harrison, he’s a monster. He’s a monster, man. He’s big and strong. And he can move. That’s why I said we’re two different players. I really can’t say I’m a nose tackle. I’m a defensive tackle. He’s a traditional nose tackle. I’m a defensive tackle.”

Harrison signed with the Giants at the start of free agency, getting a five-year deal worth $24 million in guaranteed money. He started every game the last three years for the Jets and was an important piece of some pretty good defenses.

Harrison is listed at 6-foot-4, 350, hence McLendon calling him “a monster.” The Steelers listed McLendon last season at 6-foot-3, 310. McLendon has been in this spot before; he moved into the starting lineup after longtime Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton — who was listed at 325 pounds — retired.

McLendon started 32 of the 79 games he played with the Steelers from 2010-15.

“I’m not taking over for [Harrison],” McLendon said. “I’m just coming here to play football. He went somewhere else. I came here. So it’s not like I’m taking over for anybody.”