FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- One day later, Rex Ryan explained RepGate.

"Apparently, I need to be in more offensive meetings," he joked Thursday.

He was referring, of course, to the weird, if not significant events on Wednesday.

Backup QB Tim Tebow took two first-team reps in practice, shortly after a team spokesman, attempting to clarify earlier remarks from Ryan, said Tebow wouldn't see any first-team reps in the conventional offense, only the Wildcat package.

The spokesman felt compelled to address it because Ryan, in his news conference, indicated Tebow would get some work with the starting unit in training camp. Obviously, the Jets wanted to quell any speculation of a controversy, but Ryan's initial comment turned out to be accurate -- sort of.

"I just want to let you know, there's not a quarterback controversy," said Ryan, bringing it up on his own. "This is the way it's going to be: (Mark) Sanchez is the starting quarterback, Tebow is the backup."

PARTING WORDS: At the end of practice, Ryan gathered the team on the field for one last speech before it scattered on vacation. Basically, he told the players they'd better be in top shape when they report to training camp. There are fewer reps in camp because teams practice only once a day and, unlike the not-so-old days, a player can't work himself into shape the way he used to.

Ryan wants to build endurance. As he said, "I want to own the fourth quarter."

D.T. on DBs: Secondary coach Dennis Thurman spoke to reporters. A few highlights:

• He loves the potential of his unit: "Without question, this is the most physically talented secondary we've had since we've been here. If things pan out, we could be scary."

• Thurman believes safety LaRon Landry, who skipped most of the offseason program, to be caught up mentally by the time he gets through training camp: "I don't expect him to have any problems."

• Thurman praised sixth-round pick Josh Bush, saying he's currently the No. 4 safety. Ellis Lankster is running as the No. 4 corner.

INJURY REPORT: WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring), WR Stephen Hill (hamstring), WR Patrick Turner (hamstring) and DE Marcus Dixon (calf) didn't take part in team drills. Holmes and Hill looked fine in positional drills.

THIS AND THAT: A crowd of 1,500 turned out for the public practice. ... The quarterback group did its first autograph signing session for the general public at the end of practice, and it was immediately clear which quarterback was most sought out. Tim Tebow had several staffers around as he ducked under a barrier to get closer to fans, and signed everything that came his way. ... Ryan said he's taking a vacation to Paris and Prague.