Head Coach Brian Daboll

Q: Anybody of interest who won't be doing normal stuff?

Daboll: Yeah, normal stuff. Yeah. Yeah.

Q: How's (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) doing with his toe?

Daboll: Good.

Q: We gonna see him out there?

Daboll: Yeah. He'll be doing similar thing that he's done the last couple times he's been out.

Q: So, rehab?

Daboll: He did a little bit of walkthrough here, but he's progressing. He'll be okay.

Q: How about (defensive tackle) Darius Alexander?

Daboll: Yeah, same. He's the same

Q: What are your thoughts on how the tempo of practices this year has been as opposed to previous years?

Daboll: Yeah, I think the guys are out there competing. I think we're getting a lot of work done. I'm encouraged by the progress that all three phases have made from the beginning of, since they've been here, phase one all the way through. That's the process of the offseason. Again, I like the way the guys are competing.

Q: Sometimes there's a tendency to look at guys who might be available around the league and well, that guy looks better than our guy. You know what I mean? What is it about (wide receiver) Darius Slayton, he came in and he was, you know, didn't embrace him, play him right away or anything, that he has survived and this organization has put money into him, and you obviously believe in him or else he wouldn't be out there?

Daboll: That's a good question. He's a pro, first and foremost. He never let any circumstance get in his way of him continuing to try to improve and do his job. And when he's had opportunities, he's made plays for us. He has good leadership traits and he's been here a long time in NFL years. He's good with the young guys. The quarterbacks got a lot of trust in him. I certainly do, but I just appreciate his discipline and how he goes about his job, his attitude, whether things were good, whether things were bad, his work ethic, that's why we brought him back

Q: Is that somebody that had to, they all had to prove something to you when you got here, but he had been here already. Do you almost look back and think, maybe I didn't expect him to do all that. You know what I mean? Because like I said, he was not a guy who you just threw out there right away and targeted.

Daboll: My focus is on now, how he is now for us.

Q: But he had to evolve with you?

Daboll: Yeah, I think every player evolves, but I appreciate the way he is, the way he's been for us. Again, all the things that I mentioned, he's been a good player for us, he's been a good leader, he's been a good person off the field for us. He does things the right way and you appreciate players like that.

Q: Brian, what is the overall morale like and how do the veterans impact that?

Daboll: Yeah, it's been good. Again, like I said, we've had a very competitive spring. I think we've got a lot of work done. A lot of things accomplished in terms of the installation of our defense, special teams and offense. Some of the nuances and the new things that we've put in. The guys do a lot of things off the field together. I like this group.

Q: What have you changed spring wise, like process wise, the way you're going about it? What did you notice maybe last year that you said, you know, I would like to do more of X?

Daboll: I think we've changed every year from year to year and try to do the things we think we need to do. Obviously, we've added some more seven on seven reps here. That's something that (quarterback) Russell (Wilson) feels really good about. And, you know, you can do it one of two ways. You can do a half line to see coverages. You can do a full field, seven on seven. You know, we've added some competitive periods where they have to play the situations out. Not that we didn't do that, but we've placed a little bit more emphasis on it. And not just a third down situation, but maybe a quarter in a game, time left, score. We've done pretty much, I'd say every day we've done a little bit of that.

Q: You said the seven on seven, was that Russ's suggestion?

Daboll: Yeah, I've talked to Russ. He, again, you see it's good for the defense too in terms of the back seven, just in terms of how they match routes. Their zone drops, adjustments. You can't do one-on-ones during this time, so seven on seven was something that we thought we'd add, and we've done quite a bit of that. But we've added a number of reps, I would say too, situational reps. So every year is a little bit different.

Q: How much does a QB that has that many years of experience change the way you listen to him and take suggestions or kind of work together?

Daboll: I think it's important to listen to the quarterbacks, they're the ones that are touching the ball on every play. Certainly, he has a lot of accolades behind his playing career and experience, it's been good. And (quarterback) Jameis (Winston) has as well, and (quarterback) (Tommy) DeVito, and even (quarterback) Jaxson (Dart), when you're in that room and you're talking to those guys, they see things from a wide scope perspective and bring things up and there's a lot of good communication. So, I think it's important to really talk and communicate and listen to any of the quarterbacks. But Russ has been good for us, I'd say, in a number of ways since he's been out here.

Q: How cognizant are you, I mean, he is a 36-year-old quarterback, and last year he did get hurt at the start of the season, to give him what he needs and the seven on sevens and learn the offense, but also kind of realize it's a long season and he's 36 years old.

Daboll: I think everyone needs reps, particularly when you're playing in a new system. So, we've given him I'd say a lot of reps. You know, he needs them. He needs them because he needs to be able to call the plays and see things and be able to react. So, we've divvied up the reps, I'd say, pretty evenly but he's had his fair share, he's had the most.

Q: Russ talked to us about his relationship with (wide receiver) Jalin Hyatt -- just how he's liked his potential, what he's seen. What have you just seen from him in your third camp with Jalin?

Daboll: He's done a nice job for us this camp. He's trying to improve the things that we set out for him to improve. And again, just to go back to Russ, there's excellent communication amongst the quarterbacks and I'd say the skill players, they meet quite a bit together. I think Russ has done a nice job of developing a relationship with Jalin. Russ sits in the front and Jalin sits right behind him, right next to Malik, right next to (wide receiver) Wan'Dale (Robinson). So, there's a lot of good communication flow with those guys and he's done a nice job of trying to improve the things that we ask him to improve on.

Q: What was the focus for him? Obviously last year was a tough year for him.

Daboll: Look, I'm not gonna get into the details and the specifics of what we talked to the guys about, but he's done a nice job of coming out here, working hard.

Q: What have you seen him improve?

Daboll: He's improved in really all facets of being a receiver. And we're gonna need him to continue to do that in training camp.

Q: What have you seen from Russell in terms of leadership?

Daboll: It's been excellent. Not just on the offensive side of the ball, I'd say within the entire team, defense, special teams, he's a very good communicator. He sees the game well. Obviously, he's done it at a high level. The details of which he approaches his job with, not just his footwork and his eyes and mechanics, but also the other positions, the communication with the line. It's really been good.

Q: Brian, you mentioned the competitiveness of practices so far. What was your reaction to the fight last week? And you like that intensity?

Daboll: Yeah, it was a competitive period, so try to stay away from that, but moved on pretty quickly from it.

Q: Word came out that you're doing the joint practices with the Jets again, you've been a part of those. Just how do you feel about those? Leading up to that preseason game, just that atmosphere?

Daboll: I have a good relationship with (New York Jets Head Coach) AG (Aaron Glenn). Known him for a long time. Obviously, he was with Detroit the last couple years and him and I have a good working relationship, a good personal relationship as well. It was good to sit down and kind of iron through some of the things that we wanted to get done, logistics of it. We're gonna do one practice at their place. We're gonna do a practice here. We thought that would be good for both teams. Kind of traveling a little bit, good for the fan base. So, it was really easy to work with AG and those are competitive days and good for the team.

Q: Doing any others?

Daboll: We're only doing the Jets.

Q: What have you seen from (cornerback) (Paulson) Adebo so far?

Daboll: He's been a good addition to our defense. Big, long corner, can run, can cover, makes plays on the ball, has a number of pass breakups, good in the room for the young guys. He's been a good addition.

Q: How much is (defensive lineman) Dex (Lawrence II) doing? When we come here, we don't see him in in team drills. Is that just holding back on him. Is it last year's injury?

Daboll: I'd say everybody's at a different point. There's some guys that are doing some more, some doing less. We just do what we think is right.

Q: Was the turnover chest your idea or was it (defensive coordinator) (Shane) Bowen's idea?

Daboll: It was Shane's idea, yeah. I think they talked about it. It gets pretty, you know, in the defensive meetings the next day after practice, after a turnover, there's excitement and it's been good for them.

Wide Receiver Darius Slayton

Q. Let's start with the number change. What went into that?

DARIUS SLAYTON: I just wanted to be under 20, so had a couple options. 18 was the last, it was like 18, 19 and two, I think. But then we signed (quarterback) Russ (Wilson), so he went to three, so that moved Tae (cornerback Deonte Banks) to two. So, then I was just like putt me in 18. No personal reason.

Q. Speaking of (quarterback) Russell (Wilson), how is it playing with him? What kind of connection you have going with him?

DARIUS SLAYTON: It's been awesome. His knowledge of the game has shown already. Obviously, he has amazing talent with the ball. Accuracy, great touch on the deep balls. I don't really know that he's missed more than one or two deep balls this whole camp. He is really accurate, really smart. He's helped keep us in good plays throughout the whole camp. So, his impact has been felt for sure.

Q. (Wide receiver) Wan'Dale (Robinson) said it's an easy ball to catch, the way it hits your hands. Are you finding that too?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, definitely. It just has nice pace, even spiral, nice pace. A firm ball that gets to you, so you don't get killed but smooth enough to where it is very catchable.

Q. How much do you think that should help you? The idea that he throws that good deep ball and that kind of plays into what your strength is, obviously how much should that benefit you, theoretically?

DARIUS SLAYTON: A ton. I love going deep. That's kind of how I made my name so to speak in the league was making plays down the field, but it's not just myself. All of us can run. (Wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) can run, (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) can run. Even, (wide receiver) Wan'Dale's mini, his mini legs be moving, so he can run too. And it's shown over OTAs, it's shown, I think everybody's probably touched the ball down the field from us at some point. So, I think it'll help everybody be able to stretch the field and add some yards per catch.

Q. Did you see some progress from (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) this year, this summer or this spring rather?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, he definitely, what he was eating, maybe people or something, he came back swoled up, so he put on a good about 15, 20 pounds, I think. So, he's definitely been stronger, he looks bigger, he looks stronger and that's definitely helped his game some and I think he's definitely made strides so far this spring.

Q. How would you describe your chemistry with (quarterback) Russ (Wilson) so far?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Honestly, it's been pretty smooth. It feels like I like he's been here longer than he has and I am sure some of that attributes to his experience and he has a very clear vision of what he wants. He's a very clear communicator. So as long as your ears work, all you got to do is listen and do what he needs you to do and the rest takes care of itself.

Q. What does that mean exactly? A clear communicator? Can you give me an example of what?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, so an example of – so he does throw a very good deep ball, right? But that's obviously his mentality. He wants to push the ball down the field and attack. So, if we're in the huddle and we have a play and there's certain plays where the ball is designed to go certain places and so in his head he might be in the huddle, be like, 'hey, you got the post here but you're not dead.' Because a lot of times you might run a post corner, whatever, different concepts and the guy underneath always gets the ball, always gets the ball. So, you're the guy running deep, you're just running for the love. But he'll be like, hey alert here, the safety drives, I'll give it to you. And he's done that multiple times over camp. So that's kind of what I mean by okay, it gives you some like alright, you're going to run anyways but it gives you a little extra juice of, I can really get the ball right here.

Q. What do you make of the QB room? A lot has been made as the most interesting in the league.

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, it is a interesting compilation of individuals, but (quarterback) Jameis (Winston) and (quarterback) Russ (Wilson) are that veteran presence. Jameis is a wild card though, just as a human being. So having his personality around is amazing, but also, they both have great presence and leadership about them. You see the – age is probably a little rude. The seasoning in both of them, the veteran leadership they both have. And also you have (quarterback Jaxson) Dart kind of the young kid, he's kind of learning find his way, but he has two good mentors to learn from.

Q. What's the most wild card thing (quarterback) Jameis (Winston) has done?

DARIUS SLAYTON: It's so hard to describe. It's just how I'm talking right now. He'd be talking just like this and it's just the random thoughts that come to his head and they just come out and it's like we were talking about a slant, how did we get to Kentucky Fried Chicken? Just hard lefts. I can't think of an exact example, but that's how best I could describe. It's just random hard lefts, but then he comes right back on topics. It's like, am I tripping or are you tripping? But he's a really fun guy to be around.

Q. Is that a good thing though, to kind of keep you on your toes?

DARIUS SLAYTON: A hundred percent because like I said, he has the most unique balance I've ever seen of light but serious, he's very serious because he is a quarterback, so he's very knowledgeable, he's very serious when he needs to be serious, but at the same time he has a light energy about him, so it keeps people calm. So, it's not like you're not nervous to play with him.

Q. Such a unique group. We talked to you after you resigned. It was totally unsettled. I think (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito), he was probably the only guy under contract. What was it like seeing these pieces come together? Just like your reaction as they did that?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, free agency is always chaos. So, I think we signed (quarterback) Jameis (Winston) first, so that was obviously it was like great, cool. We've got a veteran quarterback who succeeded. Selfishly as a receiver, everybody who has been his receivers has ate. So, I was like, hey, cool with me. But obviously then we went and got (quarterback) Russ (Wilson) a little while later. You add somebody who's been a champion, a 10-time pro bowler, a true pro, and you look at the room and then obviously we drafted (quarterback Jaxson) Dart. So, you have your young gun, who's at one point going to get his chance to shine and show what he can do. So, I think we have a good compilation of guys.

Q. You seem pretty energized for OTA number nine. Is that because these quarterbacks, because of you've got a contract, you're not year to year here. I mean why is it true that you are kind of jacked up a little bit here?

DARIUS SLAYTON: I would say so because you're having fun. OTAs is the funnest form of football because practice don't kill you like camp does. But for receivers you get a chance to run around, get open and catch the ball, score touchdowns and make plays. So, in my opinion, OTAs is the most fun as a receiver because you get the fun stuff without killing yourself and being dog tired.

Q. Now in other years you've had OTAs and I'm sure you felt that way, but do you feel any different now with these quarterbacks after a terrible season and feeling that there's a light at the end of the tunnel? Because remember last year you were pretty down on a lot of stuff.

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, yeah. I definitely think that we have a lot of new energy period. Just in the quarterback room, in the receiver room. We've had some of our young guys, UDFA guys who came in and played really good ball. So, I think that's probably part of it. Now I'm older so just kind of feeling the youth, life of youth around me

Q. Do you think it validated your decision to come back more? Just that energy?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, for sure. Obviously, I came back, I was confident in the direction that we were going to go in and obviously once we make the acquisitions, obviously a lot of people mostly focus on the quarterback position. Once we acquire the guys we have now that obviously just raised the confidence level of alright, we have a chance to be a really, really good offense.

Q. How do you think the offense looked today?

DARIUS SLAYTON: We did okay. We started fast and then we kind of had some lulls. Most of it was mental error lulls though, not physical errors, just little – OTAs, there's a lot of stuff in at once, so you're going to have some of that. But we did a good job of riding that wave and then we ended up finishing practice strong. So, it was honestly indicative of a game. You might start fast, it's going to be a rough part, and you got to find a way to finish strong.

Q. You were talking about your chemistry with (quarterback) Russ (Wilson). How do you do it with (quarterback) Jaxson (Dart)? He gets into maybe one rep, you said at some point he's obviously going to come in, you don't know when that'll be. So how do you go about trying to establish with him as well as Russ?

DARIUS SLAYTON: Yeah, he pops in our group a good amount. I don't really know exactly how many, but I know that I've been in the huddle, and I don't always look at the quarterback, so I've been in the huddle and I've heard different voices. I've been like, 'oh you're in.' And so he's had a chance to get his reps here and there. But I know he's learning, like I said, and OTAs are so much information in for a quarterback it's super hard. But he's done a good job of coming along. He seems like a smart kid. He definitely can spin it for sure. You can see the arm talent without a doubt. So, I think he's got a chance to be a good football player.

Cornerback Paulson Adebo

Q: How are you doing? I think when you signed you we weren't sure if you were ready and you're out there like at 100%.

PAULSON ADEBO: Oh yeah. I'm doing great. I'm doing good. Recovery is all going great. I'm so happy to be out there.

Q: How important is it for you to be out there? Like you're coming back from a broken leg, you could easily take it easy in the spring, right? Like why was it important for you to want to be out there?

PAULSON ADEBO: I mean I was just kind of following the protocol that trainers and stuff had in place. So, once they said I was ready to go, then it's just about getting in shape, being out there with the guys, building that team chemistry, it's so big when you go through the duration of a season. So, being out there as soon as possible is definitely important.

Q: Paulson, how would you describe your skillset?

PAULSON ADEBO: A really aggressive corner. Ball production, tackles, I feel like just a complete corner overall.

Q: That aggressive man is what you really like to do?

PAULSON ADEBO: I like to do everything. Aggressive, zone scheme, man scheme. I feel like I can adapt to kind of everything and game situation, play making, matchups. So, I feel like I could do everything.

Q: Paulson, you're by no means an old man, but you're the most senior guy I think in the cornerback room. Can you talk about the younger guys and what you've seen from them, and the chemistry you guys are building?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, definitely. Some of the guys are young, but they're definitely wise beyond their years as far as being able to take coaching and also being able to lead as well. I feel like we have a group of leaders, me, (safety) Jevón (Holland) and then (safety Tyler) Nubin, but everybody, I feel like, you know, (cornerback) Dru's (Phillips) doing his thing, (cornerback Deonte Banks) Tae's doing this thing, (cornerback Cor'Dale Flott) Flott's doing this thing. And then we got guys like (safety) Dane Belton, he like everybody collectively, is really coming together. So, I can't say enough good things about the group that that I came into.

Q: What have you seen from Tae (cornerback Deonte Banks) so far?

PAULSON ADEBO: Just really locked in, really been playing great all OTAs really. Just really impressed with his ability to move, cover guys, play zone, play man, super athletic and then super fun to be around. So, I feel like that was really, really good to see him, he's been doing good.

Q: I think (defensive coordinator) Shane Bowen mentioned that leadership part was like part of the expectations for you. Was that discussion as you got here or once you got here?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, for sure. I think for me, it's always about trying to put a good example out there regardless of if I'm coming in as a veteran or even before when I was a quote unquote younger guy. I mean, I played a lot of plays in this league and with that comes experience and being able to give people nuggets and also be coachable as well to be able to collaborate with those people that are around you. So that was a little bit spoken about as well to come in and kind of, you know, impart some of the experiences that, that I've had in the league.

Q: Obviously it's OTAs, no one's in pads, it's not the physical nature of it is not there yet, but what is your sense of what's going on up front, the linebackers and then you know, the, all the three tiers of this defense. This defense could, has very interesting pieces. What's your sense of how it can all fit together?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, I think it can fit together really well. I think we're doing a great job of communicating and a really good job of executing and being on the same page. So that's one of the big things about being a cohesive defense and I think we're doing that.

Q: You've had some time in the defense now, right? Running it in practice. What would you say to someone if they said, so what kind of defenses (defensive coordinator) Shane Bowen have?

PAULSON ADEBO: A really good one.

Q: In what way?

PAULSON ADEBO: Ability to stop offenses, game plan against what they're trying to do, ability to adapt and do many different things.

Q: What has stood out to you the most about defense? Any teammates or anything specifically so far?

PAULSON ADEBO: I think just everybody's really locked in and doing their job, executing the details, and then playing with a lot of energy. Like guys are really, really, really fun to play with and that helps to be able to have fun out there.

Q: What do you make of the turnover chest?

PAULSON ADEBO: Super cool. You know, I'm happy and excited to try to get a lot of turnovers and hopefully I can put a lot of balls in there.

Q: What do you think of the overall vibe about being a Giant and the professionalism and the approach?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, I think it's a great thing to be a Giant. There's great history here. So, being able to come into that, that's definitely a blessing and I can feel the energy of the organization as well as the teammates.

Q: You and (inside linebacker) Bobby (Okereke) obviously go back to Stanford. He was talking to us about just watching you grow up a little bit, did you guys talk about ever playing together in the NFL? Was that ever a thought?

PAULSON ADEBO: Uh, yeah. I mean we work out together in the off season and stuff, so briefly, obviously the cards have to pan out and they ended up panning out, but briefly, yeah.

Q: But just being with them now, like, does it kind of just feel like, hey, I'm with somebody that I have a great relationship with and we can just extend it over to the field a little bit more?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, for sure. I mean, just being able to either go to his house and watch film or just talk ball with somebody that is a friend as well is always cool. The more you can connect with somebody, the easier it is to have those conversations where you're going up against each other and maybe challenging each other and stuff like that.

Q: The receivers keep talking about how (quarterback) Russ (Russell Wilson) throws such a great deep ball. As someone who's on the other side of that, what makes it effective when you're trying to break those up?

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, I mean, he throws that thing high, so you really got to be able to get your head around and track it for a good bit of time. So sometimes it's good for receivers.

Q: Do you get a sense of his leadership as well?

PAULSON ADEBO: For sure, yeah. He has a great presence about him, as far as knowing what to say and when to say it. Timing is, is really good about him and then his professionalism, first one on the field. Really just a guy that you could definitely look at and know that he's done it and someone to look at and take notes from.

Q: What's been best we've seen from (outside linebacker) Abdul Carter so far? I know you're at a different level but he's in front of you.

PAULSON ADEBO: Yeah, he looks really really impressive. And then he has a great mind on him, great mindset on him as far as coming in and ready to learn and, and work and so, yeah, definitely excited about him.

Q: What do you enjoy most getting to know about New York, New Jersey? A little bit, just area, the city.

PAULSON ADEBO: I mean, really the team, like my teammates have been my most important part about this whole thing. So, I haven't really been too worried about doing everything else about New York. I kind of just focus on the team, but definitely as we get a little break, I'll maybe venture out and explore a little bit.

Running Back Tyrone Tracy

Q: How different is this year for you coming in, knowing you're in a more established spot and a more established place, and yet still trying to probably prove yourself as well?

A: I wouldn't say it's any different than last year, really. The only difference is I've been here before. I know what's going to happen. I know training camp is coming up. I know I've got to prepare my body, prepare my mind, prepare my soul for what's going to happen during the season. But I'm still grinding, man. I'm still grinding. There's really no safe space in the league. In the NFL, everyone's trying to take your spot. I'm grinding every day trying to make sure that the coaches can trust me and that my teammates trust me.

Q: (Wide receiver) Darius (Slayton) was telling us now there's just a different energy that he feels at this camp. Do you see anything different compared to last year?

A: Oh yeah. I definitely do. I think we've got a lot of dogs on our team that want to be great. I think that we have some people out there that want to be leaders and want to be vocal and speak up, and I think that's the thing you need on a winning team. And I also think that everyone's buying in. I think that from top to bottom, best player to the last person on the roster, whatever it may be, I think everyone's buying in and we've got a good team ready to go

Q: With you and (running back Cam) Skattbo, how do you see your styles meshing? You've got speed, he's got, I'm not sure, but he's got something…

A: (Laughs) He does have something.

Q: Explain to me what that is and how your styles mesh?

A: Yeah, obviously I've got my speed and elusiveness, but Skattebo, he's got a little bit of everything. I watched his film, obviously, I've seen him play. I think we've all seen him play. That boy has got some power to him. I think that's one of his strengths – is his strength, really. His power, the way he runs the ball. He runs angry, he runs hard, he runs physical, some of the things that Dabs loves. But again, I think that we're two different backs, but I think we complement each other really well.

Q: What about your game? When you look back on last year, what did you see and what did you say to yourself this year I've got to get this better.

A: Obviously ball security was a huge thing for me last year. I had too many on the ground, so that was a big thing for me. But then also just being more vocal, being a leader, making sure that I'm coming out here, doing the right thing all the time, and whenever I'm asked to make a play, I make that play. I think consistency is the best thing that shows up in the NFL. When you look at all of the great running backs, they're very consistent year after year after year. So that's what I want to be. I want to be one of the great New York Giants running backs that's come through here, but it starts with consistency, and that's going to start at practice every day.

Q: What are you doing for ball security? Are you walking around with the ball around the facility, having people kind of poke it out? How have you been addressing that?

A: First of all, it starts on the football field. Every time I'm holding the ball, or I get the ball, whatever it is, making sure I'm carrying it the right way. And then I also bought, I don't know if y'all know what it is, but it's a little grip strengthener off Amazon that I use every night. It just helps me. Also, it just makes sure that I'm being fundamentally sound when I'm holding the ball as well. So again, just take your coaching and the meeting room to the field.

Q: Were you a (quarterback) Russ (Wilson) guy growing up watching? What's your sense from him? Obviously a very veteran, seasoned quarterback…

A: Yeah, yeah. I was definitely a Russ guy; I was a Russ guy. I was a Russ fan. I didn't obviously know him personally up until now, but I've seen him play. I've seen his style of play. I knew it would mesh well. He's a great leader. He speaks up, he does what is needed all of the time, and he does more. He's the first one here, last one out. He's a great human being other than just a football player. For our football team, he comes out here like the rest of us, he's working hard like the rest of us. I think we have a lot of quarterbacks out there right now that are doing a great job.

Q: What was that dinner like when he took the running backs out?

A: Hey man, I'm not a big 'splurger,' but he definitely hooked us up to say the least. He hooked us up. I saw some food on my plate that I (had) never seen before, but it was really, really good food. If you've never been, I think it's called Bourbon Steakhouse, actually. It's down by Central Park. But it was super nice. Like I said, it was very exotic food, but it was really good.

Q: He took care of it all?

A: Yeah, he took care of it. He looked at me a little bit, but I was like, 'Nah' (laughs). I said, 'Nah, not yet. Not yet.'

Q: Did you have a steak or the bourbon?

A: I had steak. No bourbon, man. You've got to keep it clean.

Q: What did you eat that you've never eaten before?

A: A lot of y'all have probably already had it, but it's called calamari, I think – octopus, nah, nah, nah. Yeah, some octopus. They also had some, I don't even know what it's called, but it was some slimy stuff. I was like, 'Yeah, I can't do (any) of that.' It wasn't an octopus; it was like clams and oysters. And I was like, 'Yeah, I'm good. I'm good (on) that. I'm going to just keep my little fries.'

Q: How has Russ, I guess his addition, contributed to that energy shift you were describing earlier?

A: I think it's the energy he brings. Every time he walks into the meeting room, he greets everybody. It starts with that. You know what I'm saying? That is the main thing that I see. Russ, he's very intentional in what he does, he speaks to everybody. Again, no matter if you're the starter or you're number three, whatever it is, he treats you like you're the starting person. But he also gives confidence in you. He speaks life to you. He comes in the huddle, lets us know, 'Hey man, we've got this. Let's go.' He's a great, phenomenal leader. He's very vocal and he lets us know that there are going to be mess ups, but that's what practice is for and we move on to the next play. He's a true professional.

Q: How do you think his style of play will benefit the running back room?

A: I mean, to be honest, when you have a person like Russ, he knows what he wants. He knows how he wants it. He's done this for a long time, so he knows the looks. He knows what's going to happen before it happens. He'll literally tell me, 'Get out quick here.' Because he knows that I'm going to be open on this play just from a defensive standpoint. But also, he can run. That's a huge thing. Obviously, we had past quarterbacks that can run, but that's a plus. When you talk about a person who could throw the ball accurately and then also run really well, that's going to help out us tremendously. But then you've got good receivers, good tight ends, good o-line. When we have the whole package, it makes everything pretty easy.

Q: Did you remind him that you were receiver in college?

A: No, he actually knew. He came in, he knew that I was a receiver, but he didn't know how long I played. We (were) out there during phase one. He was like, 'You've got really good hands.' And I was like, 'Yeah, I do. I used to play receiver.' And he was like, 'I know, but how long?' I was like, 'Really, my whole career.' And then he was like, 'Yeah, we've got to do some stuff with you.' And that's really kind of how it took off. But up until now, he's been a great person, a great mentor for me. Just to go talk to and bounce ideas off of.

Q: You talked about energy. Is there positivity do you feel around here?

A: Yeah, positivity for sure. That's all it is. I think one of the biggest things that we're doing this year is making sure that everyone's on the same track. There's no one veering off to the right or to the left. We're all going the same way. Having the same idea with the same vision at the end of the day, because obviously we all have individual goals, but there's only one team goal and that's to win.

Q: You were talking about how you played wide receiver for a long time. Did (running backs coach) Ladell Betts, when you were at Iowa, did he try to make you convert or how did that go?

A: So LB, he came in, I was there in '21, so think he came in like 2020 or something like that. But when he came in, obviously I was a receiver. He didn't get the chance to coach me. (Former Iowa running backs) Coach (Derrick) Foster, he was there before LB, and I was in and out of the running back room and the receiver room at Iowa. But again, he didn't get to coach me on the football field. But obviously we ran into each other at Iowa. He's a great guy, a great coach. He knows his stuff. Obviously, he played in the league as well so when he comes here, he already knows what's going to happen and he knows how to handle it. He's a great coach.