FLORHAM PARK -- Quinton Coples' release became Mike Catapano's opportunity.

Catapano, a Jets defensive end, had been on the practice squad since the start of the season. But he was promoted to the 53-man roster for the Texans game in Week 11, when defensive end Sheldon Richardson was out.

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And last week against the Dolphins--the Jets' first game since they waived Coples, 2012 first-round pick--Catapano got to play 57 percent of the defensive snaps. He was positioned at edge rusher and paired in a package that also included rookie third-round pick Lorenzo Mauldin, but he also played a bit on the inside at linebacker late in the game, too.

The Catapano/Mauldin package mostly was used on third downs, and it helped the Jets to get pressure without having to blitz much; just 15 of Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill's dropbacks were blitzed, per Pro Football Focus. Catapano registered one quarterback hit and one hurry.

"If you watch Mike in practice, he's really been flashing," defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said this week.

A Long Island native, Catapano was drafted by the Chiefs in the 2013 seventh round. After playing mostly on special teams as a rookie, he missed last season because of an illness. The Chiefs waived him at the end of training camp this year, and the Jets added him to their practice squad days later.

As the Jets prepared for Sunday's game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, Catapano talked about his role with the Jets, and about how he was a Jets fan growing up. Portions have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: You were a defensive end with the Chiefs, but the Jets used you a lot as an edge rusher against the Dolphins. How was that for you?

A: [Head coach Todd Bowles] wanted me rushing the edge. That was the game plan all week. That's where I've been making plays at practice, kind of showing them they can have some confidence in me out there. They called my number, I made a couple plays, hope to make a couple more this week, and just keep getting better.

Q: The practice squad can be transient, guys coming and going all the time. What was your approach while you were on it?

A: I know what kind of player I am, so I wasn't really fazed. It was just a matter of time. I just kept trying to go hard in practice, tried not to piss anybody off. It's a tough balance. But I think the guys that were here really respected what I was trying to do. I'm lucky that Coach Bowles maybe sees that now, [and] Coach Rodgers is gaining more trust in me. I just want to keep gaining that trust and making more plays for this team.

Q: Was it difficult for you?

A: Yeah. Absolutely. Every week, I came out guns blazing on Wednesday, when other guys were sore. I know that guys were going to be annoyed at me in practice, but I know they'd like it more if I'm making plays for this team, and helping this team win.

Q: What was your role like with the Chiefs?

A: In Kansas City, when I first got there, they were trying to put me at outside linebacker. But they told me, because they have Justin Houston and Tamba Hali on the outside, they wanted to put weight on me and use my rushing abilities from a 3-tech [defensive tackle]. Which is, I guess, a little unnatural for me. I much prefer being where I am now, coming off the edge, in this scheme. I think it's a good fit for what I can do, rolling off the edge.

Q: Were you a Jet fan growing up?

A: Yeah. I was a big Jets fan when I was growing up. My whole family, [we're] from Long Island. I remember watching Curtis Martin and Wayne Chrebet when I was young. That's the only jersey I have in my closet at home is [Martin's No.] 28. I was a running back in high school. So it's kind of surreal, running out of that tunnel on Sunday, and having 30 [members] of my family up in the stands. It's a cool thing, playing for your hometown in the NFL. It's rare.

Dom Cosentino may be reached at dcosentino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @domcosentino. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.