Safety Chad Jones
Q: What's it like being in the Giants training camp?
A: It's great, you know. I'm meeting new players and new coaches. We have a lot of talent out there so things are going good. Easy practice, and the plan is coming along pretty good. We're looking good right now.
Q: Obviously, this is the day you've dreamed about other than being drafted. Were there butterflies, any anxiety?
A: A lot of anxiety, you know, but I wouldn't say butterflies. More like I'm ready to go out there and show them what I got. I feel that I had a fairly good first practice, so I'm looking forward to the second one.
Q: Did anything surprise you? Difficult, easy?
A: The practice was as long as I thought it was going to be. In college, you have longer practices, you know, but this practice was much better. You got a lot in and they end quick so that's kind of how I like it.
Q: How is the adjustment from coming from college to being on a professional football team?
A: Basically, I say the speed. You have to catch up on the game plan much faster. They put a lot in and it's at a rapid pace, so you have to study the books and get adjusted to the speed of the game.
Q: First impressions of the coaching staff?
A: I like them. I talk to them frequently. I clown around with them a little bit, you know, in this loose environment so it's pretty good.
Q: How does Perry Fewell running around and being so enthusiastic affect you guys? Does it affect you guys?
A: Oh yeah, it definitely affects you in a positive way. You want to impress him, especially with the way he gets after you, you're going to get after it. That's the positive thing we have going on.
Linebacker Adrian Tracy
Q: When is the last time you played linebacker? High school?
A: My freshman year of high school, I played. Then after that, it was probably the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star game was the last time I played a linebacker spot. It's fairly new to me.
Q: Is it a habit now to line up a certain way or do you put your hand on the ground?
A: I'm making the transition, you know. I'm learning. I'm getting more comfortable with my stance. I'm not in a rush to put my hand in the dirt, but wherever they need me, I will play. Right now I'm trying the SAM linebacker spot out and seeing how that works. Hopefully I can transition in and contribute to the team.
Q: Were you thinking at all during your senior year at William & Mary that you might have to make that transition?
A: I'm not even going to lie. To be honest, I was focused on that season. It was the last season that I had and it ended up being one of the best we had in the history of William & Mary. So I was definitely excited about that. Istarted focusing on making the transition when different teams told me that linebacker was probably going to be my spot.
Q: Any particular linebacker you started to study on film?
A: Not really, I was trying to get a feel of it. Just get the basics and try to emulate the players I have seen. It's definitely different than having your hand in the dirt, and like I said, you have different keys that you're reading and you have to pick up coverages and different individuals. It's more of me getting used to the position itself before I try to tailor my game after certain players.
Q: What do you look to learn from the veterans here at the New York Giants?
A: Just how they play Giants football. The next level, in and of itself, is at a different pace than college, and I was introduced to that today. Just how they play and how they play hardnosed and getting to the grind stone kind of players, and that's what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to learn from the older guys and even the second year players. (Kenny) Ingram helped me out today, and I definitely appreciate that.
Defensive Tackle Linval Joseph
Q: Do you expect to make an impact in your rookie year?
A: Yes sir. That's my goal. Come in and make an impact in my rookie year. Sure.
Q: What kind of thrill is it to come in to a camp and put a jersey on?
A: It's different. I'm trying to think. It's real good. It feels really good to come in and put on a Giants helmet and we had some of the vets come in yesterday and that was different. I like this organization.
Q: What can you expect to gain out of these first three days?
A: Just to learn the playbook. Learn the defense. That's pretty much the thing you need to do is learn the defense first before you play. You've got to come in early and get these plays down and that's really going to help me in the long run.
Q: Is there a particular player on this team you can't wait to pick the brain of?
A: No, but I guess the rookie Petrus. I played against him and he went to Arkansas. So it's good to see him on the same team. We will be going against each other so that's going to be great.
Linebacker Phillip Dillard
Q: Are you excited for the opportunity to play right away?
A: It's a great opportunity. I'm trying to make the best of it. I have this playbook, and I have to make sure I learn everything and get down the terminology, and earn the respect of the veterans.
Q: You know the Giants need a linebacker, so it's a big chance for you:
A: It is, obviously. I mean it's all you heard during the draft was that they needed inside linebackers. They took the risk by drafting me, so I'll make the best of it.
Q: Why'd you say risk?
A: Well, not a risk, but they just drafted me. Just a word I used.
Q: But are you happy about it?
A: Yes, I'm excited. It's a great organization and this is a nice place with a wonderful stadium. The fans here are good. It's a perfect spot.
Q: How crazy is that book you're reading (playbook)?
A: It's actually not too crazy. I understand their defense, but it's just the different terminology. I'm getting that down pat pretty quick.
Q: Are you trying to be a leader in this camp?
A: Yes, I think it starts in the huddle, and then you look to the coach for the huddle. You have to be loud and proud in the huddle.
Q: Isn't that difficult with guys you never met?
A: Nah, it isn't. We're all out here trying to make a statement and find our way on this team. You have to be vocal and that's what the coaches want to see. We are all out there busting.
Q: What do you think your greatest asset is as a football player?
A: Being loud. I'm very physical and fast. I want to have a grasp on everything and I don't like making mistakes, and making the same mistake twice. I stay square, and I use my hands really well.
Defensive End Brandon Crawford
Q: What are the thoughts going through your head as you approach this opportunity?
A: I've been staying focused. I'm the new guy, just like everyone else. I'm trying to absorb it, take everything in, and learn as much as I can as fast as I can.
Q: What kind of shot do you give yourself?
A: As much chance as everyone else. I'm in shape and my body is in good health. I feel great. It's a matter of me getting out there and being able to execute.
Q: After you got out of the Marines, what made you decide to continue?
A: Well I've always had education, first and foremost. It has been a mainstay for me. So, I wanted to pursue an education. I always told myself that. I was an athletic kid growing up and I always played sports, whether it was track, football, or baseball, what have you, along with basketball as well. I told myself I had an opportunity, so I'd ask the coaching staff and see if it was a possibility for me and that's what I did. It worked out that I had that opportunity and that's how I pursued it.
Q: How did it come down with the Giants in particular?
A: They called me. My agent, Mike Wozniak of Empower Sports, has been working hard for me and getting all the PR stuff and everything going on. He was talking to a bunch of different teams, and ended up talking with them a little while later on Sunday after the Draft. I got a call later on to come in, and I confirmed and accepted it. I got my itinerary and was on the plane.
Q: Has Tom Coughlin said anything to you?
A: Yes he did. He stopped me when I was coming down the hall. He pulled me to the side and asked if I had been overseas, and I told him I was stationed stateside and hadn't been overseas. He said I have been following your story, so far it's a good story and he asked if I was ready to go to work, and I said, ‘Sir, yes sir.'
Guard Mitch Petrus
Q: You tied a record for bench pressing at the combine...have you always had brute strength like that?
A: Yeah, I've always been kind of a stronger guy, you know. I guess my family has a big, bulky background so that's helped me. I had really good strength coaches at Arkansas, and when I went down there, I trained at IMGM in Florida. They really helped me. I had done 35 before, but I had never done that many. I was proud of myself. That's one of my strengths.
Q: You couldn't squeeze one more out?
A: Nah. I didn't know where the record was and I lost count. I didn't have a clue. When I looked, I said ‘Man, I could have done one more.' I thought the record was 43, but it doesn't matter. I gave it all I could and all the energy I had put into it. Looking back at it, I guess I could've tried one more. It feels good to finish the last rep, but I didn't think I had anything left. At least I tried. It was a good experience.
Q: You started at different position too: fullback, o-line, tight end:
A: Yes Sir.
Q: Did you just get a growth spurt or something?
A: No. I grew up tall, and I grew up a little faster than I would have liked it. When I hit 18, 19 years old, it kind of hit me. It's kind of rough at Arkansas, since I was coming in there trying to get a scholarship so I was working my rear end off trying to make it. That was some extra incentive and motivation to get stronger. The stronger you are, the better chance you have, so that was something I always thought.