Coach Shurmur, Saquon Barkley, Will Hernandez and Kyle Lauletta meet the media at rookie minicamp:
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Opening Statement:**
Good morning everybody. Rookie mini camp – this is an exciting weekend for 61 guys. They are getting a chance to live out their dream of playing pro football. I think when we look at it, we have a mixture of drafted players, college undrafted players, tryout guys and so we're going to put them through the paces for three days here and try and teach them. I think what's important is and I've talked to the staff, I've talked to our current players, we want to teach our rookies the right way from the very beginning – here is your iPad, here is your locker, here is where you need to be, here is how you need to dress, here are the fields, 'please' and 'thank you' work, push in your chair. We want to really train these guys in the New York Giants' way and I think it's every facet of their life and then, certainly what is most obvious, football. So that's running parallel with them learning some of the scheme before they get kind of incorporated with our veterans on Monday. That's where we're at. We had a walk through – I think the way we do it and this is the way we'll do it with our veterans. We meet in the morning and then we walk through and then we meet again and then we practice. We try to describe it, then we detail it, then we drill it, then we do it. Then we kind of decompress, debrief it and we do it over and over and over, and so this is probably when I'll do most of my conferences with you guys. With that being said, I'll take some questions.
Q: You talk about the Giant way. What is the most important thing that you want to make sure these rookies learn outside of what they're going to be doing on the football field?
A: Well, the veterans have gotten a good feel for it. They got a five-week lead on these guys and I think what's important is to be very professional in every facet of your life. We want guys obviously that understand how important it is to have relationships, whether it's in the building or being coachable and we want guys that are good teammates and certainly guys that love football. So we're looking for those kinds of guys and I think we have to live that life in our building.
Q: What does a tryout player have to do in three days to catch your eye to get signed?
A: They're considered tryout guys, but everybody is here for a reason. We've seen something good in all these players that are running around this weekend and we have an anticipation of what they're good at and we're kind of just touching the paint to see if it's wet. If we've got a player that we've liked for some reason and they have a chance to come in and maybe be better than one of the guys that's on the roster, then we're willing to trade it out. We're going to constantly try to find – until we get to the 53, we're going to try to have the best 90 that we can have.
Q: You haven't had too much time with the rookies. Can you take me through what you guys did yesterday leading up to today?
A: Yeah, they just checked in yesterday. Certainly they went through extensive physicals and issued their iPads and their equipment and fitted for their helmets. Very similar to any first day at any level of football that they've played and that was about it. I had a meeting with them last night to kind of spell out what a meeting room looks like and what the practice field should be like, how they should compete, sort of rules of engagement, and then we had meetings this morning and a walk through.
Q: How much do you kind of judge or grade draft picks on what they do on the field in a mini camp?
A: Well, we're always being evaluated anytime we do anything, so yeah we're evaluating and grading our guys as they're out there competing. Every time they're out there, quite frankly.
Q: Can you talk about the challenges that Kyle Lauletta faces in this mini camp?
A: Yeah, the quarterback the first time doing anything, he is in charge of everything and so certainly there is more on his plate, but from what I could tell by just watching him function in the walk through, I think he's got a good feel for what he's going to need to do today, and we'll teach him more for tomorrow and so on, and then get him going on Monday with the rest of the guys.
Q: Do you like to ease a young quarterback in or do you like to throw a lot at them and see what they can handle?
A: Well, whatever you give a quarterback, it's way more than anyone else is getting. In a former life, way back when, what you did with the rookies – this was like shock treatment. You blew them up physically, emotionally, mentally and then by the time Monday came around, they're like, 'Holy smokes.' I think what you've seen is, is what you're trying to do is orient the guys, get them up to speed, get them going, challenge them physically and mentally and then let them go out there and show you what you can do. I've taken tests before where you look at the first question and you say, 'This isn't going to work out well.' But I've taken tests, too, where you answer two or three right and things go well, so that's what you look for.
Q: You've studied Saquon so much and he's on your field. Is there anything you're going to look at honing in on seeing from him?
A: Yeah, I think what we're looking to see is how well he picks up the system. We're very confident that he's going to be able to do everything well and then just see how he works in just like everybody else. How he runs the ball, how he catches the ball, his awareness in pass protection, all the things we're going to ask him to do going forward.
Q: Do you know if he's a quick study or not?
A: Our sense is that he is and this is probably a better question for two weeks from now. But yeah, there's nothing that tells us he's not.
Q: What kind of speed is this weekend?
A: It's intense and we want them to compete, but again and I told them last night, that our game is about the ball – throwing it, catching it, handing it off, kicking it, whatever you want to do with it and then protecting it when you have it. Our game is really, if you boil it all down, it's about negotiating the ground – it's how you move around, how you stay in front of your defender, what you do with the ball when you have it. So we want to see guys handle the ball, we want to see guys negotiate the ground and then the third part of this game is man whip a man. Because it's not very physical right now, you can't really get into all of that. But, we want the guys to play fast, no anxiety and try to stay on their feet, execute their blocks, work through their schemes, quarterbacks go through their progressions and, ultimately, make it look like football.
Q: Do you have a preference which side Will Hernandez will line up on?
A: Way beyond this camp certainly as we go throughout the rest of our training, but he's played a lot of snaps at left guard and we'll look at him there primarily, but anybody working and guards have to play on both sides, especially young ones. That's part of a guard learning it the right way; he's going to have to take reps on both sides.
Q: How hard is it for a guard to switch?
A: You go from the left side to the right side, so it's like going from here to here. That's where the center is. (If you are on the right) if you're going right, you're on the front side; if you're going (left), you're on the backside. I'm trying to minimize it.
Q: Isn't it like writing with your left hand and now it's with your right hand?
A: It's different than that. I challenge all of you to switch hands right now. I think it's different than writing certainly. Guys have played both sides and get used to being where they'll be, so they'll get it.
Q: What went into the decision to waive Paul Perkins yesterday?
A: Yeah, well he has a pec injury that we're all aware of and it's going to take a significant time for him to come back. That was it. Quite frankly, we wanted the roster spot.
Q: Has there been a moment where you approach Saquon and say that this is rookie mini camp and this is what we want to see from you? Not that he has to go out and be everything that everyone says he can be.
A: No, I think he needs to be everything he thinks he can be and then we'll worry about that later. I think what's important is that they come out here and compete. He's no different – come out here and compete, be the very best running back you can be and then we'll worry about that as it comes along.
Q: Your owners and GM have spoken highly about Saquon. You haven't said much about Saquon. Why is that?
A: Well, I'm certainly high on Saquon. But that goes back to let's train them the right way. He's a member of this team. If you ask him, he'll tell you he wants to learn what he's doing and compete at a high level and regardless of what my expectations are for him, he has to come out here and train and do it. That's what's really cool about him is that he has that mindset and so I'm thrilled with the players that we've brought in the building, I'm thrilled with the way that our guys have been performing. Unfortunately you haven't been able to watch it and so I'm looking forward to getting them all together on Monday, so that's where we're at. Try to get the players as good as they can be individually. When they train next to one another, they challenge each other and they get better as a group and then just keep moving that train forward.
RB Saquon Barkley
Q: So what is it like to be here?
A: It's amazing. It finally hit me. It really didn't hit me after I got drafted, but being able to walk into this building, going on a tour, seeing the facility and being back with football people, my teammates and players and to start building that relationship, it is an honor to play for this franchise. Right when you walk in the building, you see the four Lombardi Trophies and you already know what the standard is for this team and this program. I am just happy to be a part of it.
Q: What are you looking to show the coaches over this weekend?
A:Â Just that I am a hard worker. That I am willing to learn and that I am coachable. Obviously, it is a new system for me and for everyone it is going to be different. Everyone will have struggles, but I am willing to learn and I am coachable. Going to try and lead at a young age and start working with the young guys, the rookies. Just try and continue to have fun and play the game I love.
Q: First walkthrough this morning out on the field with the other rookies. From this time out here, what is the difference that you see from being here compared to Penn State?
A: Obviously, the difference is the playbook. Definitely the playbook and the system. Going out and always being in the gun in college and working out of the 'I', which I feel very comfortable doing. That is the difference. It is a different feel and it is obviously the system. At the end of the day, it is football. It is just like we are freshmen all over again. I keep telling those guys that we are starting stuff all over, but we are going to get the system and the playbook down. Just take it day-by-day and step-by-step. I am learning stuff everyday.
Q: How is the playbook for you right now?
A:Â I think personally, I learn really quick. A lot of things are different I guess you could say, but we ran a lot of similar stuff in college except it had different terminology. Instead of running out of the gun all the time, they run out of the 'I'. That is really the biggest difference in terminology. It is harder to learn by yourself. I had the playbook before and was looking over it and it is hard to learn there. It is easier to learn when coach Johnson is in front and he is telling you this and this. This is why we do this and this is why we do that. It starts to come to you quicker. The best way to learn is actually doing it on the field.
Q: What are you doing to become a leader?
A: When I say leader, you have to start off by leading by example. Try and be one of the first ones in and one of the last ones out. Try and take care of my body. Try and do all the things on the football field. Run in every spot. When you have to be vocal, obviously it is hard to be vocal because we are all learning and our minds are boggling right now. Whether it is a break down or you are learning something a lot faster than someone else and you try and help them in that area or someone is learning faster than you and you ask them. Those are the ways I will try and grow and to lead.
Q: Have you been a vocal leader yet?
A:Â I had a breakdown. I was able to breakdown the team for the Giants. Not many people can say that, and a lot of people wish they could say that. Just to be on an NFL team and be here with these guys and my teammates. We have been able to start the relationship and build the relationship. Guys I have met before and teammates that I have had in the past. Getting to meet and build relationships with guys like Kyle and all of them. It is like a brotherhood. It is football and it is special.
Q: Did you have the opportunity to meet any of the veteran guys?
A: I got to talk to Eli. I talked to him over the phone. When I was looking for apartments, Davis drove by where I was at. Odell, obviously. I know Odell personally. I did not get to meet Jonathan Stewart yet. I am just looking forward to meeting the rest of those guys. Obviously they were here yesterday, but we had physicals and stuff to do. I look forward to meeting those guys and picking their brain. I look forward to meeting guys that have won championships and guys that have gone through struggles, ups and downs. Guys who are veterans in the NFL and great pros. I just look forward to continue to learn from them and follow them by example, learn, continue to grow and help myself develop as a player.
Q: What kind of advice have you received from guys since you have been drafted?
A:Â The best advice I got from not only teammates and guys here, but from my parents and other vets from other teams, NFL legends, was to be who you are. Stay true to yourself. You are here for a reason. What got you here is going to continue to help, but obviously, continue to grow in those areas, your game and work ethic. Be disciplined and be coachable. Be passionate about the game. That is the best I've gotten. Not only from my teammates here but from everyone. Stay true to yourself and be yourself. Â
Q: Do you like the expectations that are sky high for you?
A: I don't see them. I know a lot of people try and set expectations for me. No offense to you guys, but I set my own expectations. I don't care what anyone says in terms of that I have to rush for this or score this. It does not matter to me. I set my own expectations and have my own standards. If I follow you guys, not saying you guys but the media, and try and reach expectations of the fans and the media because I am a high draft pick, if I follow that, I will never become a great player. It starts with myself. I have to believe in myself, set goals for myself, set expectations for myself and continue to work for those goals every single day.
*Q: What about the expectations from your own team and GM? Your GM said that you have been touched by the hand of God and that the No. 2 pick should be a Hall of Famer *
A:Â That is a great compliment. Hall of Famer and the number two guy should be a Hall of Famer, but when you think about it and you come into the NFL, that is the goal. You want to get a gold jacket and work yourself and your butt off to get a gold jacket. Touched by God, he talked to us yesterday and said that everyone in the room is touched by God. You are, it is true. You have the talent. You are blessed to be in the NFL and to be able to play in the NFL. Not many people are able to accomplish that and have that talent to do that. It is a great compliment and I am so happy that I have a guy that believes in me and in my talent. Like I said, it is not really an expectation that he set for me. If it is something that he saw on film, he believes in me and believes that I can achieve that one day but if he believes in me but I don't believe in myself and my own goals, I won't get anywhere.
Q: What are the expectations you have?
A: Right now, it is just to continue to come in, be humble. I don't want to be that guy that thinks he is a high draft pick and that he has it all. Nothing is given to you. Everything is earned. You have to have that mindset that you have to work every single day. Learn every single day. Be a student of the day, learn from the guys and the coaches. The Eli's and the Odell's on the field and off the field. Just work. Hard work got me here. Obviously, you know me from back home where I started. Just have to continue to work my butt off. Obviously be a pro. Be a veteran pro at a young age. That is the approach I want to take. Have the mindset that I have been in the league for four or five years. That is the advice I got from a lot of teammates and other players. A lot of people say that it hit them in the fourth year or it hit them in the fifth year. I don't want it to hit me then, I want that to hit me now. I just want to take care of myself and take care of my body. Everything else will take care of itself.
Q: Do you view yourself as a running back or more than that?
A:Â More than a running back. Completely more than a running back. That is why when people try and put the 'why should a running back go that high?' Obviously, you look at the past three years and the position of the running backs and what the Zeke's and the Le'Veon's have been able to do, they are more than a running back. I look at myself as more than a running back. I am not a guy that just lines up in the back field and is going to bang his head, bang his head, bang his head. I am a guy that is willing to do anything for his team. Whether it be a kick returner or a punt returner, running down on kickoffs, lining up in the slot, running a dummy play or a fake play, whatever it takes. I want to be an athlete, not just a running back. Obviously, I play the running back position but I want to be an all-around guy and an all-around player.
G Will Hernandez
Q: Has this experience hit you yet? Or do you have to get on the field for this whole experience to hit you?
A: It definitely hit me as soon as I landed in New York. Right away the city took me by surprise and how cool it is around here, how nice everybody is. As soon as I got into the actual facilities and I got people telling me where to go and what to do and it's like, 'Alright I'm back. It's football time again.' I'm definitely excited.
Q: Coach talked about right from the beginning, please and thank you's, push your chair in and stuff like that. What does that say about the atmosphere around here?
A: It just speaks so much about the program. When you have attention to detail, a lot of things are going to go really, really smooth and I like how there is attention to detail and they like us all doing the same thing and everybody doing things right. I think that's part of the structure that you need to win games and I'm all about it. I love it.
Q: Do you have an preference between left guard or right guard?
A: No preference. I'll play wherever the coaches want me to play. I'm here to help out the team in any way. If they want to put me at kicker, I'll kick the ball – I did play soccer a little bit so I can help there (laughs). But no, wherever the coaches want me, that's where I'll be.
Q: Have you had the opportunity to meet any of your teammates yet and if so have they given you any advice on what to expect?
A: I haven't met any actual vets yet, but all the rookies that are here, yeah I've gotten to know a few guys. Some of them I already knew from the Senior Bowl and even the Combine, but yeah we clicked here right away. I feel really comfortable already and this is my first day. A lot of the guys here are on the same page with the same goals and the same mindset as me, so it makes it real easy to get along and we're having fun with it already.
Q: Have you heard about Chris Snee or do you know anything about him?
A: I've definitely heard about him. I'm trying as much as I can to fill any kind of shoes that I'm expected to. I know that I have a lot of expectations here and I want to fulfill it to 100 percent and the best that I can do.
Q: What can you show the coaches in terms of not actually hitting?
A: The first thing is that you're adaptable. You're adaptable to going from what you know and what you've been taught for the past five years, four years and being able to transition. Even though it's still the sport of football, there is still a lot of details that you need to be able to adjust to and the style of coaching that the coaches do here and the way they want you to do things. I think that's most important and then after that I think it's just showing the same person you were for the reason of why they brought you down here. Show that you're still that guy that gives all out effort, that wants to play, that has passion for the sport and show them that and improve day-by-day too, which shows your coachability.
Q: I'm sure you've met Saquon already. Is that the first time that you met him?
A: No, the first time I met him was at the Combine actually and I saw him again here. We recognized each other right away and he has already reached out to me before I even landed in New York, so that was pretty cool.
Q: Do you kind of walk in front of him all the time?
A: Yeah you see I just try to tell him to follow me wherever I go. I'll wait for him to get his food and then he'll walk behind me. Yeah, I'm trying to get used to it.
Q: So if I try to go talk to Saquon alone.
A: He would have to talk to you behind me. Yeah, just walk across.
Q: You have a reputation for playing with and edge on the field. Do you consider yourself a nasty guard?
A: Yeah of course. I think every player should be referred to as that. If you're a football player you should be referred to a nasty, on the edge player. I think that's how everyone should play. I think that's the reason why this sport is so popular and yeah, I definitely consider myself that and I think that everybody should be exactly that.
Q: Is that hard when they tell you that the please and thank you's have to come right away and then get on the field and beat up some other guy?
A: No it's not hard at all. It's kind of a split personality deal. I don't purposely try and change, but just as soon as that helmet comes on it's just a completely different mindset. I can say please and thank you on the field too, maybe after I've done my job, but there is definitely a difference there.
Q: What was it like putting that helmet on? You got to try it on yesterday.
A: Yeah, I got to try it on yesterday. Well first I started looking at it for a little while because it was the first NFL helmet that I every held in my hand, so that was pretty cool. As soon as it came off, same thing. Nothing has changed – come out here and play with the same intensity that I always did.
Q: The view from the inside is the same I think?
A: Yeah same thing. I think the facemask color was different from UTEP, but the same thing.
QB Kyle Lauletta
Q: Coach Shurmur was saying, for as much (pressure) as there is on the rookies, there is even more on the quarterback, so welcome.
A: Absolutely. I think that's the nature of the position. The quarterback has to be the leader of the group and he has to be intelligent, he has to know the offense and be able to help guys get lined up and that sort of thing. So just going through the playbook and trying to learn it as best I can right now.
Q: How do you turn that chaos into something that looks right on the field?
A: The coaches do a great job. We install it slowly, they don't give us too much so we just focus on what they give us at first and just take good notes. I've done that throughout college and just continue to do that here and just listen to the coaches and what they have to say and just try to execute it on the field.
Q: What are your expectations?
A: I don't think there are any expectations. I mean all I can do is come in here and learn and develop as best I can. Everybody is in the same position, trying to pick up a new offense. So like I said, just learn as best I can and just try to help that quarterback room out however I can.
Q: Have you had a chance to talk to Eli (Manning) yet?
A: I have, just briefly. Just touched base with him and he just congratulated me and welcomed me to the Giants. I haven't really talked to him more than that, but I'm definitely looking forward to getting in a room with him and getting to rack his brain.
Q: Does it make it easier knowing that Eli has been known for being good to young quarterbacks throughout his career?
A: Absolutely. I've heard nothing but great things about him. I'll definitely lean on him. Obviously he has a lot on his plate, he has to learn a new offense too, but I just want to communicate to him that I'm here to help however I can and I think that's the important part of having a good quarterback room. You kind of help each other out, whether that's watching film together or asking each other questions or whatever it is. Just try to add value to that group and help those guys out as they'll help me out too.
Q: What do you think is going to be the biggest difference in the playbook from Richmond to here?
A: Well I've done a lot of different things at Richmond, I've had experience in a lot of different offenses so just being able to thumb through it. I don't want to look ahead and stuff, but I have just gone through it and nothing seems too much or overwhelming to me. I've kind of experienced the whole gamut of offenses. I just want to stay with the here and now and just take it one day at a time. You don't want to get ahead of yourself and look ahead. Just master what we have going on now and all of the concepts and stuff, they build on each other. The coaches are smart, they put it in the right order and if you learn it in the right order, you'll develop and be on pace.
Q: Is there anything majorly different like footwork or reads?
A: Not at all. I just think it's a little bit more advanced, a little bit more complex, but nothing I haven't really seen at this point.
Q: Do you view yourself as the quarterback of the future?
A: I don't know. It's Eli Manning's team. His success and his resume speaks for itself and I do think he has some years left. How many years? We'll just have to wait and see, but like I said, I'm just going to do everything I can. Obviously I have high aspirations and confidence in myself and my abilities. I'm just going to perform and be the best teammate, the best player I can be and however the coaches see fit where I am on the depth chart or whatever, that's up to them. So I'm looking forward to continuing to develop relationships with these guys and learn the playbook and just developing as a player the best I can.
Q: Is it gratifying to you that the team didn't take a quarterback in the first round and they took you in the fourth round because they think you're the guy?
A: I mean yeah, the guy that they took number two is pretty good. Saquon (Barkley) is going to add a ton of value to this team as well. So I'm happy they picked him, he's a great guy. I've gotten to know him so far and I'm just looking forward to working with him. Sure, when I met with the Giants, in one of the private workouts I had, I felt really good about it and I connected well with the coach I was with. I had a feeling I didn't know who was going to take me, but when I got the call I was definitely excited. It's a great situation, a great organization and I think they have a bright future ahead.
Q: How do you put the situation with Davis Webb in perspective? Do you view it as competing with him for the back-up spot?
A: Yeah, I mean I'm always going to try to compete and try to perform as best I can. I don't really see it like that and I don't think Davis does either. Like I said, we're all in this together, we're all in the same boat learning a new offense so we'll definitely be close and be friends and help each other out as best as we can. Just try to help each other grow and try to develop so as far as who's the back-up and stuff of course both of us are going to compete and both of us are going to try to earn that spot, but that's so far ahead in the future I just don't think it's worth even thinking about right now.
Q: Does it bother you when people say you lack arm strength?
A: I don't know, a little bit. If that's the worst thing that people say about me, then so be it. It is what it is. I think Coach Shurmur had some nice things to say about that and I don't think it's an issue. I think there are a lot of other attributes that a quarterback has to have and I think I have those pretty well. I think I have enough arm strength, we'll just have to wait and see, but I'll continue to develop that as well.
Q: How have you been able to slow things down and anticipate throughout your career?
A: I think just having a good understanding of the concepts and where guys are going to be and not being afraid of just letting that ball go before that receiver comes into the window and just having confidence. I've done this so long and I think that's one of those natural characteristics that you have as a quarterback and that you have to have especially at this level. The windows get tighter and you have to throw the ball even earlier than you did in college. But I think I'm pretty good in that area and I'm going to continue to develop and I'm just looking forward to seeing when we start going full speed and getting some throws with some live reps. I'm looking forward to that.Â
Q: Did you feel like you had something to overcome during the draft process?
A: I don't know. Obviously out of high school I didn't get offers to a lot of those big schools, but I saw that Richmond was a great opportunity for me and I don't think they've had a lot of quarterback that have gotten drafted, but they've had a number of players who have been successful in the NFL. So I saw it as a good opportunity for me to get a good education and play high-level football. Richmond was great. We played big teams and I've experienced some pretty big environments and stuff. So Richmond was great and I'm just looking forward to the next chapter.
Q: Russell Wilson was a third-round pick, Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick, do those success stories motivate you?
A: I don't look at it like that. Of course, there has been a lot of late round picks that have been successful in all positions. That's the thing, you just don't know how guys are going to pan out at the next level. For me, I just put all of that college stuff behind me and just open the next chapter. It's just hitting the reset button and getting back to work and just got to come in every day, put your head down and do everything you can to be the best player that you can be and that's what I'm going to do.
Q: What do you want to take away from Eli Manning?
A: I don't know if there is one specific thing, just everything about him. Just the way he interacts with his teammates, the way he commands the team, the way he plays the position. There is just so much you can learn and I think that's something that you have to do once you get in front of him and once you start to observe the way he goes about his business and I'm looking forward to that. He's been a champion, he's been a really successful player and I'm looking forward to learning from him.
Q: Did the Patriots show any interest in you in the draft?
A: They did, as did a number of teams. It was hard for me to gauge who was more interested than others. They were definitely in the mix, but I heard there was a lot of media hype around them, but I think that was all it was. But I'm glad I'm here and I'm glad I'm a Giant.
Q: Has this experience hit you yet? Or do you have to get on the field for this whole experience to hit you?
A: It definitely hit me as soon as I landed in New York. Right away the city took me by surprise and how cool it is around here, how nice everybody is. As soon as I got into the actual facilities and I got people telling me where to go and what to do and it's like, 'Alright I'm back. It's football time again.' I'm definitely excited.
Q: Coach talked about right from the beginning, please and thank you's, push your chair in and stuff like that. What does that say about the atmosphere around here?
A: It just speaks so much about the program. When you have attention to detail, a lot of things are going to go really, really smooth and I like how there is attention to detail and they like us all doing the same thing and everybody doing things right. I think that's part of the structure that you need to win games and I'm all about it. I love it.
Q: Do you have an preference between left guard or right guard?
A: No preference. I'll play wherever the coaches want me to play. I'm here to help out the team in any way. If they want to put me at kicker, I'll kick the ball – I did play soccer a little bit so I can help there (laughs). But no, wherever the coaches want me, that's where I'll be.
Q: Have you had the opportunity to meet any of your teammates yet and if so have they given you any advice on what to expect?
A: I haven't met any actual vets yet, but all the rookies that are here, yeah I've gotten to know a few guys. Some of them I already knew from the Senior Bowl and even the Combine, but yeah we clicked here right away. I feel really comfortable already and this is my first day. A lot of the guys here are on the same page with the same goals and the same mindset as me, so it makes it real easy to get along and we're having fun with it already.
Q: Have you heard about Chris Snee or do you know anything about him?
A: I've definitely heard about him. I'm trying as much as I can to fill any kind of shoes that I'm expected to. I know that I have a lot of expectations here and I want to fulfill it to 100 percent and the best that I can do.
Q: What can you show the coaches in terms of not actually hitting?
A: The first thing is that you're adaptable. You're adaptable to going from what you know and what you've been taught for the past five years, four years and being able to transition. Even though it's still the sport of football, there is still a lot of details that you need to be able to adjust to and the style of coaching that the coaches do here and the way they want you to do things. I think that's most important and then after that I think it's just showing the same person you were for the reason of why they brought you down here. Show that you're still that guy that gives all out effort, that wants to play, that has passion for the sport and show them that and improve day-by-day too, which shows your coachability.
Q: I'm sure you've met Saquon already. Is that the first time that you met him?
A: No, the first time I met him was at the Combine actually and I saw him again here. We recognized each other right away and he has already reached out to me before I even landed in New York, so that was pretty cool.
Q: Do you kind of walk in front of him all the time?
A: Yeah you see I just try to tell him to follow me wherever I go. I'll wait for him to get his food and then he'll walk behind me. Yeah, I'm trying to get used to it.
Q: So if I try to go talk to Saquon alone.
A: He would have to talk to you behind me. Yeah, just walk across.
Q: You have a reputation for playing with and edge on the field. Do you consider yourself a nasty guard?
A: Yeah of course. I think every player should be referred to as that. If you're a football player you should be referred to a nasty, on the edge player. I think that's how everyone should play. I think that's the reason why this sport is so popular and yeah, I definitely consider myself that and I think that everybody should be exactly that.
Q: Is that hard when they tell you that the please and thank you's have to come right away and then get on the field and beat up some other guy?
A: No it's not hard at all. It's kind of a split personality deal. I don't purposely try and change, but just as soon as that helmet comes on it's just a completely different mindset. I can say please and thank you on the field too, maybe after I've done my job, but there is definitely a difference there.
Q: What was it like putting that helmet on? You got to try it on yesterday.
A: Yeah, I got to try it on yesterday. Well first I started looking at it for a little while because it was the first NFL helmet that I every held in my hand, so that was pretty cool. As soon as it came off, same thing. Nothing has changed – come out here and play with the same intensity that I always did.
Q: The view from the inside is the same I think?
A: Yeah same thing. I think the facemask color was different from UTEP, but the same thing.