Miami Dolphins first-round draft pick Ryan Tannehill said he's ready to compete for the starting job as he was introduced to the media Saturday in Davie.

"I'm a football player, I'm a competitor, I want to be on the field, I want to complete but I also realize that I'm a rookie coming in, there's veteran quarterbacks on this team I have a lot to learn from," Tannehill said, after he was introduced by team owner Stephen Ross.

Ross handed over Tannehill's new No. 17 Dolphins jersey, the same number he wore at Texas A&M, and implied he had big expectations for the 23-year-old.

"I hope one day we can retire this number," Ross said.

The Dolphins drafted Tannehill with the eighth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft Thursday night.

"I'm excited obviously to be the first pick but I don't think there's too much added pressure or anything like that," he said.

Tannehill said he was excited to start working and said he'd even taken a look at the Dolphins' playbook Saturday morning.

"I want to learn, I want to soak up everything I can," Tannehill said. "I want to go in, I want to compete with the guys that are on the roster and I want to get better."

Though he was one of the top-rated QBs at the draft, Tannehill will have his work cut out for him with quarterbacks Matt Moore and David Garrard also expected to compete for the position.

Tannehill also spoke about how his college career will translate in the NFL, as well as being a future leader for the Fins.

"You have to be able to make plays on the field to get that respect," Tannehill said.

Accompanying Tannehill Saturday was his stunning wife, Lauren, who he married in January. The new QB had a quick answer when he was asked about marrying at such a young age.

"Can you blame me," Tannehill said.