Patriots owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft held the traditional jersey presentation with safety Patrick Chung, the teams first selection in the draft (No. 34 overall in the second round) earlier this morning.

Given its the 50th anniversary of the American Football League and the Patriots franchise, the jersey and cap presented to Chung was a throwback.

Were very excited to have him with us, said club owner Kraft. Our folks did a lot of homework and we were hoping he would be available when we picked. Were very impressed with his background. Hes actually, I think, the first player on the team of partial Chinese heritage as well as Jamaican. We understand that his mom was a great reggae singer and had hits at the top of the charts. We know Patrick will be known for other kinds of hits.

A short time later, Chung, who played safety at Oregon, held a press conference with the media. Here are some of the highlights.

On his impressions thus far: I love it. I love the mood. You can tell its a big sports town. The Patriots are a very good Football team. They have been for numerous years. Im blessed to be on this Football team. Im going to make the best impact I can.

On if he feels any pressure being the top pick: I know theres a lot of responsibility, not pressure, just to come in and play. To bring your ?A game every time. Im going to do whatever Coach Belichick asks me. Im ready, man. Im ready to go. Ready to put some pads on.

On what he feels will be the biggest transition to the pros: You have to be smart. Everyone is good on the field. You have to get your edge in the film room. You study the film day in day out, night time, morning, I mean, youll eventually get an edge on the players youre playing against. My philosophy is go hard in practice, super hard, to where you cant walk. That makes the game so much easier. So its all hard work. Work hard in every aspect of my game. Hopefully it works out for the best.

On if hes familiar with Rodney Harrisons game, and did he pattern his game after harrison: Everybodys their own player. Mr. Harrison is his own player. Im my own player. Brandon Meriweather is his own player . . . its just what you bring to the table, what you bring to the team, whats best suited for the scheme, for the defense. Ill do whatever coach asks me to do, whatever that is.

On how he thinks he can fit in with defense: I think it will be good, learning from some of the best. Hopefully, theyll teach me a lot of things, help me out with the process and help me develop into the player I think I can be. Then, itll be show time.

On following the lead of first pick Jerod Mayo, who was defensive rookie of year: Im going to do the best I can. Hes a great player. He deserved everything he got. Im going to go hard, and hopefully it works out. Im going to do the best I can. See where it goes from there.

On if he feels he can step in and contribute right away: Thats the goal I have. Like I said, its all hard work. Im going to work hard every day, weight room, film room, practice field, everything. Hopefully, Ill get the chance to get on the field and make an impact. Hopefully coach will give me the opportunity and if I do, Ill be prepared for it and take full advantage.

On if theres anything on his scouting report hes looking foward to proving wrong, such as not being effective as a deep safety: Well see. Theres a lot of critics out there. Well see. Im going to work. Im going to work my hardest to get to my potential where I have no critics.

On why he enjoys hitting people so hard: You can strike fear in people. You can change a players perspective on the game. You have to know when to hit, also. Im not always a big hitter, a big hitter. You have to know when to hit, you have to know when to break down and tackle and bring him down. You have to know when to take your big hits. Im a smart tackler.

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