Jets go wild with Tebow

The Tim Tebow project took another step this week.

The team began implementing some of the unconventional plays it has planned for Tebow, beginning with a couple of snaps in the Wildcat formation. A team spokesman said the plays were basic, but it’s the first time the Jets have done anything on offense outside of Tebow as a traditional quarterback.

At first, coach Rex Ryan would not reveal whether the team has begun using Tebow in the Wildcat.

“As far as you guys know, we have not done anything,” Ryan said jokingly.

A team spokesman later clarified Tebow took those few direct-snap runs this week.

The backup quarterback continues to impress teammates and coaches. Ryan told a story Thursday about a lineman challenging Tebow to a strength contest in the weight room. Both players had to hold sledgehammers out to the side of their bodies for as long as they could. Tebow topped the unidentified lineman by 14 seconds.

“This guy is crazy with how strong he is and the kind of focus [he has],” Ryan said.

Tebow also spoke about his decision to attend “Jets West,” the camp held by Mark Sanchez in California. He said he is looking forward to it and did not think it was strange that Sanchez would invite his backup.

Sanchez said it was “ridiculous” to think he would not invite Tebow because of the competition between the two.

“He’s one of our quarterbacks,” Sanchez said. “All the skill players and quarterbacks are coming.”

It was not a good day for the two quarterbacks. The Jets defense dominated practice. Sanchez completed 4 of 14 passes with two interceptions during team drills. Tebow went 1-for-3 and was sacked at least three times. Tebow also worked as the personal protector on the punt team again.

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Ryan said the team had “99 percent” attendance during the voluntary portion of the offseason program that ended yesterday. … One player who was not there Thursday was safety LaRon Landry, who has missed a majority of the offseason program. Ryan said he expects Landry to be at mandatory minicamp next week.

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Linebacker Calvin Pace missed Thursday’s session for an undisclosed reason. … Rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill was limited with tightness in his right hamstring. … A source said the Jets have no interest in free agent wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, whom the Patriots cut Thursday. … Former Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn has been hired by the team as a pro personnel scout.

brian.costello@nypost.com

Tim Tebow, Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez, the Jets, The Jets, team spokesman, backup quarterback

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