FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- QB Mark Sanchez's childhood friend, Scotty McKnight, was cut a few weeks ago, but Sanchez has a new homey on the team -- TE Konrad Reuland, who was acquired on waivers Saturday from the 49ers.

Sanchez and Reuland grew up in Mission Viejo, Calf., where they first became teammates as sixth graders on an AAU basketball team that toured the country and finished seventh in the nationals.

"He was the enforcer back in the day," Reuland said. "He was the brute for us. He was pretty tall at a young age and he played very hard."

Reuland didn't play football until his sophomore year of high school. He said his father huddled with Sanchez's father to discuss the possibility of playing football. Next thing he knew, he was catching passes from Sanchez. Reuland said he had about 40 receptions his junior year, the year Sanchez -- one year ahead of him -- led Mission Viejo to a national ranking.

Reuland said they kept in touch over the years, occasionally hooking up for a game of pitch and catch.

ODDS AND ENDS: WR Stephen Hill brushed aside comments by coach Rex Ryan, who told Sports Illustrated that he wasn't in favor of drafting Hill -- remarks the coach claimed were taken out of context. "I honestly heard about it maybe 10 minutes ago," said Hill, who learned about the comments from the PR department. "Coach Rex Ryan, I understand, he's a defensive coach, but I know he was definitely [joking] about the situation." ... RB Joe McKnight (hamstring) was limited in practice and will be re-evaluated Tuesday, but he expects to play Sunday ... Rookie S Josh Bush will be checked for a concussion, but he expects to be cleared for Sunday's game.