It was a long night for Lindenhurst native Jeremy Ruckert on Day 2 of the NFL draft, but the wait was worth it.

The Jets selected the Long Islander and Ohio State University tight end with pick No. 101 in the third round.

There were hugs, tears and J-E-T-S chants at the draft party at Ruckert's home when Gang Green called his name.

Ruckert had told News 12's Kevin Maher that he was ready to help whichever team that drafted him.

"My body's changed, my mentality's changed and just how I play has changed, and I think that's set me up tremendously for what I want to accomplish now," he told Maher when asked how playing for the Ohio State University prepared him for this moment.

Ruckert told News 12 that he planned to show other teams what they missed out on. "There's no other team I'd rather do that for than home with the Jets," Ruckert said after he was picked.

Coach Robert Saleh said Ruckert is going to develop nicely. GM Joe Douglas called him a dynamic weapon.