Sky’s the Limit for Eli Manning in New Giants’ Offense

 Posted by
Jul 282014
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It’s one of the more commonly-asked questions at Giants’ training camp. Nearly every reporter has taken their shot at getting a different answer variation, all have kept their eyes peeled when it’s been displayed on the field.

How’s Eli Manning look in Ben McAdoo’s new West Coast Offense? What are the realistic expectations for the upcoming season?

Well, according to Manning and quarterback coach Danny Langsdorf, it seems the sky’s the limit.

“We’d love to be up there at 70 percent,” Langsdorf told The Star-Ledger’s Conor Orr. “It hasn’t been done very often. So that is the ultimate goal. We’d like to raise his completion percentage for sure. I don’t know about the history, maybe the Giants took more shots downfield, but I think there are different things that lead to that completion percentage but we’d love for him to shoot for 70.”

Manning didn’t hold back when asked the same expectation. In fact, he and Langsdorf agreed to the same near identical number.

“The high 60s is kind of the goal, to be in the top of the league,” Manning told NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan. “Sure it’s realistic. It’s a combination of the offense and the players we have.”

If Manning reaches lofty completion percentage expectation, it would not only be a vast improvement over last year, but a career high as well. In his 10 NFL seasons, Manning has never completed better than 62.9 percent of his throws. From 2008 through 2011, he completed over 60 percent. That number has dropped over the last two years, with Manning completed 59.9 in 2012, and 57.5 last year.

While Giants’ offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo didn’t call the plays in Green Bay, he worked on an offensive staff that continually had quarterback Aaron Rodgers near the tops of the league in accuracy. Rodgers has completed over 65 percent of his passes every year since 2010.

But 70 percent? That number has only been reached five times before. Drew Brees (71.2), Brees again (70.6), Ken Anderson (70.6), Steve Young (70.3) and Joe Montana (70.2) are the only signal callers in NFL history to reach that high.

At 33 years old, Can Manning do it? Fan discussion in The Corner Forum.

Mario Manningham Closing in on Return of ‘Super Mario’

 Posted by
Jul 282014
 
Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers (November 25, 2012)

Mario Manningham still isn’t 100 percent – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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There was a time when Mario Manningham’s roster spot was all but guaranteed.

Back in 2008, the New York Giants drafted him in the third round. In four seasons, he displayed the ability to be a down-field threat who also had the ability to make people miss in space. When he entered free agency following New York’s Super Bowl championship in 2011, he was considered an up-and-coming No. 1 wide receiver.

Then injuries happened. And the budding super star was labeled an injury-prone has-been.

“It was frustrating,” Manningham said. “But (injuries) are part of the game.”

Now six years removed form hearing his name called on draft day, Manningham’s roster status is as up in the air as the passes he once pulled down. Despite being 28 years old, Manningham’s body looks much older than that.

After leaving the Giants, Manningham signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. In his first year, he tore both the ACL and PCL in his left knee. Manningham was placed on injured reserve and started the 2013 season on the physically unable to perform list. He returned in November, but was once again placed on injured reserve when he wasn’t deemed physically healthy.

The 49ers elected to let Manningham walk in free agency and he found his way back to the Giants. He sat out the entire offseason conditioning program and has been ‘limited’ in training camp. Despite being two years removed form the initial injury, Manningham still doesn’t feel 100 percent.

“I know my knee is fixed, I just need confidence,” Manningham said. “It’s me sticking my foot in the ground and going. Everyday it gets better and better.”

But while Manningham works to return to the ‘Super Mario’ that once dazzled fans at MetLife Stadium, other healthy options on the roster have stepped up in the process. Marcus Harris has caught nearly every pass thrown his way. Corey Washington has impressed, too. Manningham says he’s “close,” but is it too late?

For the first time in his career, Manningham’s roster position isn’t guaranteed. And he knows it.

“It’s not easy because I know I still have to make the team,” Manningham said. “There’s no real pressure in the back of my mind whether it’s me or them. I’m gonna prepare myself like I’m going to try to make the team.”

Marcus ‘Soups’ Harris Hoping for Cruz-Like Giants’ Outcome

 Posted by
Jul 272014
 
Marcus Harris, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Marcus Harris has been impressive at Giants’ camp – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It’s a scenario that played out over and over again during New York’s first organized team activity. One of the Giants’ quarterbacks would drop back, scan the field and fire a pass to an intended wide receiver.

Over and over again, that receiver was No. 18. Instantaneously, media would break out the roster and check twice before putting a name to a numeral.

During mini-camp and now training camp, that same No. 18 continues to flash, making reception after reception. If it hits his hands, it’s a catch. The way Marcus Harris sees it, that’s exactly how it has to be.

“Every opportunity I get, I’m just trying to capitalize,” Harris said. “I know I’m not Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle or Odell (Beckham Jr.). I’m just trying to be a spark for the team.”

And he continues to do just that.

While offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo continues the installation of his new West Coast Offense, the Giants continue their growing pains learning their first new offense in seven years. While at times what’s displayed on the field is difficult to watch, Harris has been a consistent bright spot.

There have been no drops. When Harris runs a route, he’s usually open. Despite this being just his second season of professional football, he feels he has a firm grasp on the playbook. After all, it’s similar to the offense he ran his senior year at Murray State.

Eli Manning has connected with the 24-year-old countless times, as has Ryan Nassib. But it’s the one player that will most likely never throw him a pass that Harris says is the biggest connection he’s made thus far.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Victor Cruz made the Giants’ roster as an undrafted rookie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

When the undrafted Harris showed up to Giants’ training camp last year, formerly undrafted Victor Cruz was the first to reach out. The Giants’ Pro-Bowl receiver told Harris to keep working, make plays when the opportunity is there and to do whatever it takes. Harris has followed the advice to a T.

“I felt so relaxed around him and latched on to him,” Harris said. “I look up to him as a role model with what he went through. Being undrafted, it’s tough. It’s not easy and it’s not going to be. I look up to how he fought and how he didn’t care he went undrafted.”

On the practice field, Harris is having a very Cruz-like impact on the Giants, something he credits to his time spent in the Arena Football League. After failing to make the Giants 53-man roster at the end of last year’s camp, Harris signed with the Iowa Barnstormers.

‘Soups,’ a nickname given to Harris by Philadelphia Eagles’ receiver Jeremy Maclin, finished the year with 94 receptions for 1,223 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also had 1,200 return yards. Going from the NFL, to the AFL, back to the NFL made the game slow down for Harris. Not only that, but he picked up a few tips and tricks along the way.

“Leverage, always attack the defensive back’s leverage,” Harris said. “I learned that in the AFL and I use it all the time here. Even though it’s the AFL and that’s a different kind of football, you can still translate it back to the NFL.

“I know if it’s a post route, I attack the inside leverage. If it’s a corner route, I attack the outside leverage. It kinda helped me out big time when I came back to the NFL.”

Harris knows that he, similar to Victor Cruz in 2010, faces a steep climb if he hopes to make the Giants’ roster. Cruz had a three-touchdown nationally televised preseason performance to help his cause. Harris’ first prime-time showing will be this Sunday’s Hall of Fame game.

There’s also the numbers game. Cruz, Randle, Beckham Jr. and Jerrel Jernigan are all but locks to make the Giants’ roster. Harris, Super Bowl-hero Mario Manningham, Trindon Holiday and Corey Washington are all competing for two spots.

If Harris is cut and clears waivers, he’s still eligible for the Giants’ practice squad, but that’s not good enough anymore.

“I was on the practice squad last year,” Harris said. “I don’t plan on being on it this year.”

Damontre Moore Continues to Impress at Giants’ Camp

 Posted by
Jul 272014
 
Damontre Moore, New York Giants (August 10, 2013)

Damontre Moore has been impressive in year two – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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His facial expression never changed from that same firm, determined look. His voice never once reached an octave above monotone.

Cullen Jenkins stood there, atop the Giants’ podium, camcorders and cameras staring back at him. Each media member threw question after question his way.

Nothing changed Jenkins’ tone or expression. Then, Damontre Moore’s name was brought up.

“To be honest, I’ve been surprised. Especially with Damontre,” Jenkins said. “His athleticism is hard to compare. From where he was last year, technique wise and some of the things he was doing, to how he came back in training camp… it’s amazing.”

The praise was just the beginning as the veteran continued to highlight the differences between rookie Moore and second-year Damontre. The one that was once considered a one-trick pony is suddenly much more.

Moore is setting the edge, making as many plays on the running back as he is the quarterback and his physicality has reached another level.

“You look at him now,” Jenkins said, “He’s a completely different player.”

Damontre Moore, New York Giants (December 1, 2013)

Damontre Moore – © USA TODAY Sports Images

What Moore has worked to develop over the offseason is being displayed to all on the Giants’ practice fields. In the team’s five practices, the former third-round pick has a ‘sack’ in four. When the Giants put on shoulder pads for the first time on Friday, Moore recorded two sacks on offensive tackle James Brewer. He had countless other pressures.

“I feel a little more comfortable out there, but as far as different? No, not really.” Moore said last week, “I’m just being the best I can be.”

Defensive line coach Robert Nunn has seen the same thing as Jenkins. This isn’t the same Damontre Moore. Nunn said the end has taken a “step forward” in year two. The Giants hope he’s right.

Mathias Kiwanuka is now 31 and has had never had more than eight sacks in a season. Last year, Kiwanuka was held sackless in four of the Giants final five games. If called upon, Moore is making sure he’s ready. That includes taking a page out of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders playbook.

Moore is sporting a brand new facemask, one he assures meets league regulations. Is it protective? Sure. But it also looks good.

“I guess it fits into that old saying,” Moore said laughing. “You look good, you feel good, you play good.”

Thus far, Moore’s 3-for-3.

Jacquian Williams Hoping for ‘Giant’ Impact on Big Blue’s Defense

 Posted by
Jul 272014
 
Jacquian Williams, New York Giants (July 22, 2013)

Jacquian Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It was the single hardest time of his football career.

Not just professional, but little league, high school and college, as well.

Giants’ linebacker Jacquian Williams knew he could help his teammates each of the last two seasons. He knew he could make an impact on the field. The issue? Getting on it.

“Injuries, man. No one wants to be off the field,” Williams said. “I wanted to be out there to perform. I wanted to be out there with my teammates. For me to not be out there with them, it was disappointing.”

When he’s played, Williams has flashed the ability to be a difference maker in the NFL, dating all the way back to his rookie year. New York’s sixth-round pick in 2011 had the coverage skills and speed of a safety, with the size (6-3, 224 pounds) of a linebacker. In nickel packages, Williams would check in and assume a lock-down role on an opponent’s tight end.

Right off the bat, Williams experienced success. In his rookie season, the 26-year-old recorded 78 tackles, a sack and three fumble recoveries.

In New York’s Super Bowl run, Williams handled the likes of Tony Gonzalez, Jermichael Finley and Vernon Davis in back-to-back-to-back games. In the Super Bowl, with Rob Gronkowski ailing, it was Aaron Hernandez.

Jacquian Williams, New York Giants (July 27, 2012)

Jacquian Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Since 2011, Williams hasn’t experienced the same success. In 2012, he missed six games with a PCL injury. Last year, it was his knee that cost him playing time. Williams hasn’t reached his rookie year tackle total in each of the last two seasons. When on the field, his immense success in pass defense was overshadowed by his inability to compete against the run.

It’s why this offseason Williams expressed a renewed determination in making himself a complete linebacker.

“I wanted to prove that I belong in this league,” Williams said. “I showed glimpses, but there were injuries. I’d show some good things, then some down things. My goal right now is to show I belong here and I’m here for a reason.”

When Williams reported for the Giants’ offseason conditioning program, the changes were easily noticeable.

“I will say this,” linebackers coach Jim Hermann said, “This OTA and minicamp, he has done a great job. He’s a natural WIL (linebacker) in nickel, but he did a great job with our WIL stuff in base. To me, he made a big jump and big improvements this spring.”

Williams said the coaches had approached him with a list of things to improve on last offseason. While he still admits he’s the same player, he knows he’s taken a much-needed jump. Now in his fourth year, Williams feels more settled and comfortable in the Giants’ defense. Not only does he feel he can make an impact for New York, but also prove he’s an elite-level player in the NFL.

He’ll have his shot. For the first time in his career, Williams is the Giants’ full-time starting WIL linebacker.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Williams said. “But look, I’m a linebacker. I’ve being doing this since little league. At the end of the day, it’s nothing new to me.”

New York Giants Charles James Lending Helping Hand to Rookie Bennett Jackson

 Posted by
Jul 262014
 
Bennett Jackson and Charles James

Bennett Jackson and Charles James – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It’s a relatively common – and expected – occurrence at Giants’ training camp. Bennett Jackson, New York’s sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, has questions, and he’s looking for the answers.

Be it a coverage assignment, technique or read conundrum, different things pop up at different times. When they do, Jackson knows exactly who to go to.

“I usually ask something to Charles James,” Jackson said.

Wait, Charles James II? The Giants’ second-year corner who went undrafted last year and made the team as a long shot?

“He usually has a pretty good understanding of everything and he’s quick to answer,” Jackson said.

Charles James, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

Can Charles James crack the Giants final 53-man roster? – © USA TODAY Sports Images

The budding friendship has blossomed since the Giants reported for training camp on Monday. Despite the fact both James II and Jackson are competing for potentially one available roster spot, the two have hit it off. James II knows he can text Jackson at any point in time. Jackson knows he can go to James II with any question that pops in his head.

While it’s not rare to have a rookie look to another player on the roster for help, the fact James II is supplying the answers may come a bit as a surprise. After going undrafted out of Charleston Southern last year, the 5-9, 179-pound James made the Giants’ roster last season.

The corner flashed on special teams in the preseason, made a few impact defensive plays and the Giants’ placed him on their practice squad as a reward. When injuries attacked New York’s secondary, it was James II who had his phone ring with the call up.

James II looks at Jackson and sees his own reflection from a year ago. There’s a wide-eyed rookie, brimming with potential, but needing someone to guide him to reach it.

“I know how it is to be a rookie,” James II said.“He’s trying to catch up with the entire process of being in the NFL. He just left Notre Dame, basically he was the man there, now he’s coming into a process where it’s moving faster.

“This is the NFL where those receivers are going to come faster. Those breaks are going to come quicker and he has to catch up in the playbook right away. I told him some of the things that I did to help me progress last year.”

While James II is helping Jackson, at the same time he’s helping himself. When Jackson has a question, James II can’t look back with a deer-in-the-headlights look. He challenges himself to make sure he can answer whatever Jackson throws his way. As soon as James II sees Jackson jogging of the field and headed his way, he knows it’s test time.

“He’ll come up to me and be like, ‘Hey Charles, what do I do in this coverage,’” James II said. “I’ll respond like, you do this, this and that. He’ll be like, ‘Oh, Ok.’ So it like refreshes my mind and it refreshes his. I’m just trying to be that helping hand.”

James II views himself as a “big brother” figure for Jackson, something Jackson may need more than anything right now.

Bennett Jackson, Notre Dame Fighting Irish (September 21, 2014)

Bennett Jackson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Not only is he a rookie, but Jackson also has limited experience at the cornerback position. Throughout his entire playing career, Jackson was a receiver. It wasn’t until his sophomore season at Notre Dame that he was approached about a position change.

When Jackson was a freshman, he didn’t see much time at wide receiver, but he played in every special teams’ package. He loved to hit people. This was his chance to do so.

Coaches loved the physicality Jackson displayed and saw the lack of bodies at the cornerback position. Next thing Jackson knew, he was in a new film room.

“I ended up doing a lot better than I expected,” Jackson said. “I actually ended up having a lot more fun.”

His initial struggles came from the transition of constantly running forward, to moving fluidly backwards. Route recognition was easy, after all, it wasn’t long ago Jackson was the one running them.

The doubt that once clogged his memory worked its way out. Towards the end of his sophomore season, Jackson was fully comfortable at his new position. While he missed scoring touchdowns and catching passes, Jackson admitted hauling in an interception gets him much more “hyped.”

It may take some time before the coaches feel fully comfortable putting Jackson on the field in the secondary as there are still many parts of his game that need to be refined. But there’s no hesitation in putting him with the special teams and letting him do what once brought him so much joy:

Hit people.

When asked his goal and what he’d like to accomplish on special teams this year, an ear-to-ear smile stretched across Jackson’s face.

“Be a beast,” he said. “That’s all there is to it.”

Steve Weatherford: The New York Giants Not-So Everyday Punter

 Posted by
Jul 242014
 
Steve Weatherford (5), Josh Brown (3), New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Josh Brown Kicks the Game-Winner in Overtime – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Steve Weatherford (5), Lawrence Tynes (9), New York Giants (October 28, 2012)

Steve Weatherford and Lawrence Tynes – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Not every punter can roam the sidelines of NFL games, look up into the stands and see their own jersey on kids, teens and parents.

Less can claim they attempted to get their team to the ‘next level’ by purchasing each member a “shake weight.” Even fewer can say they went to a prom at 32 years old, or started a social media tradition that is quickly reaching national holiday status.

Then again, not every punter is Steve Weatherford.

“I transcend the position,” Weatherford said with a smile. “I’m just having fun with it. It’s typical when people think of kickers and punters that they’re the guy you rarely see and are never heard of.

“I’m not necessarily a spotlight guy, I just enjoy what I’m doing.”

And New York loves him for it.

Since signing with the Giants as a free agent in 2011, Weatherford has done much more than win a kicking competition with Matt Dodge. He’s slowly but surely worked his way into the hearts of Giants’ fans across the country.

Be it his up-beat personality, signature laugh, body building motivation or self-created ‘Weatherford Wednesday,’ there’s something about the Indiana native that has fans gravitating towards him.

“I never thought I’d make it in the NFL, so for me, I enjoy every opportunity that I have,” Weatherford said. “It’s a blessing and an amazing opportunity. I think people kind of feel that.

“I think people see the stuff that I put up on social media and my interaction with people in general. They understand that I really do appreciate it.”

On instagram and twitter, Weatherford has amassed nearly 130,000 ‘followers.’ But it’s not just his name that has made the punter endearing to fans, it’s how he uses both outlets.

Weatherford is constantly reaching out to his following with motivation, appreciation and thanks. Anytime a picture pops up of anyone with ‘Weatherford’ etched across their back, there’s a ‘#TeamWeatherford’ response almost instantly.

In a world where professional athletes feel entitled to the fame bestowed upon them and believe they are above those that come to watch them play each Sunday, Weatherford consistently displays he’s the exact opposite. As was the case when he took Bayonne High School senior Lauren Delbert to her prom.

In April, Delbert tweeted Weatherford a photo of a football with ‘Wanna tackle prom with me?’ inscribed on the back. In typical Weatherford fashion, Weatherford responded in a way only Weatherford could.

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“I was shocked,” Delbert told NJ.com. “The New York Giants sent me a direct message to confirm that it was real.”

Weatherford made good on his promise, taking Delbert and her boyfriend, Steven Schumann, to prom. Their ride? A 2008 Bentley.

“I think I had more fun than they did,” Weatherford said. “The fun thing about going back to prom this year is the principal couldn’t tell me anything. If I wanted to grab the microphone and get on the table and start dancing, he wasn’t going to tell me to get down.”

But there was a bigger picture for Weatherford than just showcasing his self proclaimed much-improved dance moves. His trip to prom wasn’t his last of the season.

Steve Weatherford, New York Giants (January 22, 2012)

Steve Weatherford – © USA TODAY Sports Images

After Delbert, Weatherford held a writing contest with seniors at Southern Regional High School, an area greatly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. While Weatherford took his wife, Laura, as his date this time, the winners and their dates were provided prom dresses, accessories, hair and make-up styling, transportation and more.

All organized by Weatherford, who plans to turn ‘Project Prom’ into an annual occurrence. This year, he’ll have some help.

“My teammates all saw the videos and pictures that were posted on my social media that weekend,” Weatherford said. “They were like, ‘Man, you look like you had so much fun. I wanna do it next year.’ That’s exactly what I wanted to have happen.

“I wanted other celebrities, not just my teammates, to want to do that, too. It was a lot of fun and it was an experience I’ll never forget. But more importantly, I was able to give 20 students the gift of going to their senior prom which is something they’ll never forget as well.”

Why? Because that’s who he is. He’s not your everyday punter.

Then again, Steve Weatherford’s not like many other people, either.

New York Giants Hold Reduced Practice Per GPS Request

 Posted by
Jul 242014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Tom Coughlin held a shortened practice. But why?– © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants tried something a bit different in the team’s third training camp practice.

When the team first gathered on Monday, three players were carted off of the field due to heat-related issues. As a counter, New York held a ‘water break’ 15 minutes into yesterday’s two-minute drill.

Today, there was no water break. Instead, a shortened and rep-reduced practice followed by an extended post-practice stretch.

Why? Because the “GPS” told them to.

“That was a recovery stretch,” Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin said after practice. “Again, trying to enhance this soft muscle business.”

On the back of each of the Giants’ players sits a ‘GPS’ tracking device. The device registers how far each player runs, how fast and a player’s heart rate. It can even measure every step a player takes during the practice’s duration.

After studying the readings from the past two days, it was suggested that the Giants have a lighter practice. Instead of going for the normal two hour duration, camp broke after roughly an hour.

Then, the team stretched for thirty minutes. Coaches included.

“The GPS information tries to help us structure the practice and let us know when we should be doing things like this,” Coughlin said. “The purpose is to come back and have a full-speed practice tomorrow.”

While the device seems to be working, the question now remains how Coughlin is understanding all of it. When Chris Snee retired, the 67-year-old coach talked about how he “group texts” his family. Yesterday, he mentioned how understanding the Giants’ new offense was like “learning a foreign language.”

Group texting and language memorization is one thing, but GPS health navigation?

“I’m doing the best I can,” Coughlin said with a smile.

Andre Williams Flashing with New York Giants

 Posted by
Jul 232014
 
Ryan Nassib and Andre Williams, New York Giants (July 23, 2014)

Ryan Nassib and Andre Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Andre Williams can’t keep the smile from spreading across his face when thinking about the start of his football career.

Before he was drafted by the New York Giants, led the nation in rushing at Boston College or dominated under the ‘Friday Night Lights’ of two high schools, there was a different field Williams stepped on.

There would be a phone call to friends — Freddy, Dorsey and Alex — before exiting the back door and stepping onto the grass of his yard. Someone would bring a football and hand it to another. Then? Well, things got interesting.

“Kill the man with the ball,” Williams said, laughing.

And little Andre always won.

Since his days running through friends under the sun in Kennesaw, Georgia, Williams has molded himself into the Giants’ own big bruising Andre the Giant. But during the early portions of his career, Williams resembled very little of the 5-11, 230-pound back the Giants selected in the fourth round this year’s draft.

Williams was always one of the ‘taller’ kids growing up, but bulky he was not. Williams described himself as ‘lanky,’ mentioning the long arms that often made him look awkward. But in the backyard, his weight meant nothing. Quickly, Williams found a way to make sure he’d never let a friend beat him in the backyard antics.

“I used to get my momentum up to the point where it would be really hard to stop me,” Williams said. “I used to explode on contact. That was really the most fun for me. I was trying to build that and shape it into something that I could use to my advantage.”

Andre Williams, Boston College Eagles (November 23, 2013)

Andre Williams led the nation in rushing last year– © USA TODAY Sports Images

Williams transitioned from the backyard to the backfield in sixth grade, but his career nearly ended before it began. At two years old, a car struck the New York native. Williams’ mother, Lancelene, forbid her son to play anymore, fearing contact sports “weren’t really for” Williams.

Williams’ response? His little brother.

“She was letting my little brother play flag football,” Williams said. “She just kinda thought, ‘I can’t let him play football and not his older brother.’ So I started playing again.”

While Williams displayed potential on the field, he never truly took the sport seriously, partially because of lack of team success. Sure, he was scoring, but the team wasn’t winning.

Then he began school at Harrison High School, played with better players and coaches introduced him to the weight room. Suddenly, everything changed.

“Those lifting programs, it was like a college program,” Williams said. “I saw football and what it was as a team sport and how raw talent could develop into something that could contribute to something bigger. It started becoming a lot of fun.”

Williams played two seasons at Harrison before moving to Allentown, Pennsylvania. As a junior, he committed to Boston College. BC gave Williams both the chance to play early, and the ability to stay close to his mom.

Andre Williams, New York Giants (May 31, 2014)

Andre Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Over the ensuing four years, Williams saw his production increase each season. As a senior, the 22-year-old rushed for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns. Williams was a Heisman Trophy finalist and holds the school record for rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns.

Despite all his accolades, scouts questioned Williams’ ability to play at the next level. Sure, he could run the ball. But could he catch? In four years, Williams recorded just eight receptions. None his senior year.

Williams says the lack of catches isn’t for lack of ability, but rather opportunity. At Boston College, running backs weren’t required to catch the ball. Now, he’s looking to make up for lost time.

“I’ve been catching a lot of balls in the offseason,” Williams said. “Just in terms of being able to build confidence in my ability to catch the ball and what steps are necessary in order to catch the ball.”

During training camp, Williams has flashed multiple times. He’s shown an extra gear and ability to move with the ball in his hands. But also, that that time spent catching is paying off.

In the Giants’ first practice, Williams made an impressive grab out of the backfield. He’s turning heads. And the right ones, too.

“He’s become more than a one-dimensional back,” Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin said. “He certainly wasn’t used that way at BC, but he’s demonstrated the ability to do that. He also hits that button and he can go.”

For Williams, he’s just looking to improve. Be that as a pass blocker, receiver or runner. As for motivation, he’s his own.

“I actually made it to the professional level. Professional football,” Williams said. “Now I have an opportunity to explore what that means for me. What am I going to develop into? What am I going to look like against the best of the best?

“That’s my motivation. To continue to sharpen myself and be the best back that he can be.”

John Jerry Hopes to Leave Past in the Past

 Posted by
Jul 222014
 
John Jerry, Miami Dolphins (November 17, 2013)

John Jerry wants to move on from all that happened during his time in Miami – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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John Jerry knows exactly what happened last year in Miami. He knows the details, what he did and what he didn’t do. He knows what’s accused of both himself and Richie Incognito.

Just don’t expect him to talk about it. At least not yet.

“I don’t have a comment,” Jerry said. “I’m looking forward to the day I can open up and tell you everything about it. We’ll definitely discuss that in the future.”

In the meantime, the New York Giants’ guard is focused on getting healthy and entering the ring of a now wide-open position battle at right guard. As Chris Snee’s body failed him, Jerry is hoping to give his own a jump start to resume his career.

During the offseason, Jerry had a procedure on his knee. The condition, which has not been disclosed or released by the team, took Jerry out for the team’s entire offseason conditioning program.

Jerry has received medical clearance, but didn’t take part in the running portion of the Giants’ conditioning test Monday. Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin labeled him as ‘limited.’ Jerry is not even sure yet what he can do.

“I just think the main thing for me is to get into shape,” Jerry said. “I missed so much time in the spring and everything that I wasn’t able to run. The most important thing is getting in shape.”

A healthy, in-shape and motivated Jerry could be the perfect solution to the Giants’ ailing offensive line. While he had his struggles run blocking, Jerry was one of the league’s best pass-blocking guards last year.

It’s welcome news for Eli Manning, who was sacked a career-high 39 times last year.

In the Giants’ first training camp practice, Jerry received sporadic reps throughout. When he was on the field, it was primarily with the second unit as third-year guard Brandon Mosley worked with the starters.

But when Mosley left with a stomach issue, it was Weston Richburg that took over at guard.

While Jerry is not sure when he’ll be back to full strength, he’s eagerly counting the days he can step foot on the field and contribute. With all that’s happened in his career off of the field, the best remedy may be what happens on it.

“People will think what they want to think and I know that’s out of my hands,” Jerry said. “What the fans really care about is you going out there, performing and getting them some ‘W’s.'”

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