Trying to earn a roster spot on the 2019 Jets, defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi listens to a familiar voice to keep pushing ahead.

"I go back to what my dad always tells me," said Kaufusi, whose father coaches at BYU, Bronson's alma mater. "He says, 'When you get on that field, you have to be the spark.' Whatever it takes when I'm out there, I want to be the spark for the team, make big plays that change the tide of the game."

The third-year veteran signed with the Jets last September and bounced on and off the team's practice squad before playing in the final three games. He racked up three tackles, one sack, two pass defenses and a forced fumble in the team's 22-10 victory over the Falcons last Thursday, and his teammates have taken notice of his play.

"Last year, we couldn't see as much as what he can do, but now we can because he's getting more opportunities," defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. "He's just been dominating. He's been killing every opportunity he gets. He was like the star player in the defensive line room from the last preseason game and I think he's on the right track."

Throughout training camp, Kaufusi has regularly taken snaps with the first team and established himself as a part of the rotation. The former third-round pick has grown in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme and is playing faster while seeing more clearly, which has enabled him to make more plays.