JACKSONVILLE – Brian Thomas Jr. is low-key, humble – and really, really good.

Know this about Jaguars' rookie wide receiver:

He's also really confident and really motivated – and one of his primary motivations as the Jaguars' 2024 season approaches an end is to set the franchise rookie receiving records, something he absolutely has a chance to do.

"I really want to set it," he said Wednesday as the Jaguars (3-10) prepared to play the New York Jets (3-10) at EverBank Stadium Sunday.

"I really want to get it. That's a big thing for me."

Thomas, the No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, indeed enters Sunday nearing the Jaguars' rookie records for receptions and yards in a season – and enters it with the respect of teammates who see him as a young player with a bright present and brighter future.

"Brian is a really good player," Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones said. "He's obviously young, but he wants the ball. I love that about him. He kind of demands it, which is awesome for a quarterback. I haven't had much of that in my career where guys are like, 'Hey, I really want this ball right here. Throw it up, I'll make a play.' I really appreciate that about him.

"For a rookie, he has a lot of confidence, and for me, just trying to keep him loose in the huddle and having fun out there. I feel like he plays really good when he's having fun and just focusing on his job and running and making plays."

Thomas, who played through a midseason chest injury and who has played in every game as a rookie, has 54 receptions for 851 yards and six touchdowns this season. Former Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (2012) holds the franchise record for receptions and yards in a season with 64 and 865, respectively.

Thomas is tied with former Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (2014) for most touchdown receptions (six) by a rookie in franchise history.

"He's a great player," Jones said. "He definitely brings that electrifying playmaking ability, and he's very smart and works very hard. He's all ball for sure."

Thomas said his personal goals for the final four games season are "just get as much as I can … 1,000 1,200, 1,100 … just as much as I can."

Thomas this past week caught eight passes for 86 yards in a 10-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans, with all eight receptions coming in the second half. He had key catches on both Jaguars scoring drives in the game – both in the fourth quarter – with Head Coach Doug Pederson after the game saying the Jaguars focused on targeting Thomas in the second half.

Thomas in that game had 10 second-half targets.

"It was definitely the plan to get him the ball because he's one of our best players," Jones said.

"It was just understood, 'Hey, we've got to get some things going.' Obviously, NFL defenses can take it away, whether that's rolling down into a coverage or double-teaming someone. B.T. is definitely getting some of that, which is great.

"That's a respect thing. But there's also ways where we could get him incorporated earlier."

And while Thomas said he hears observers and fans saying he needs more opportunities, he also said: "I try not to focus on it. I just go out there and play the game the way I'm supposed to play and be ready every time the ball comes to me."

Added Thomas, "I feel like I'm always open."

NOTABLE

• Jones on Wednesday offered high praise for a Jets defense that enters Sunday fourth in yards allowed and 19th in points allowed. It's a talented unit featuring Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams and All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner – among others – with Jones calling it "definitely the NFL's top defense in my opinion." Jones threw four touchdowns with one interceptions in five starts against the Jets as the New England Patriots' starting quarterback from 2021-2023. "Over my career so far, they're the best defense I've gone against each year," said Jones, who is 5-0 as a starter against the Jets. "Not only players, but scheme and coaching. Obviously, they're familiar with me. Really, their defense is one of a kind. I've got a lot of respect for those guys over there." Said Pederson, "This is not a 3-10 defense. I'll tell you that. This is a really good defense. The pieces have been brought in to do just that."