New York Giants Jayron Hosley: 'You Have To Be Patient'

On Sunday New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas reinjured his ACL and could miss a second season in a row. Although it's a tough loss for the Giants, it opens the door for some of the other hopeful contenders to make the roster and earn playing time. One of those is rookie Jayron Hosley.

The Giants' third-round pick recognizes the opportunity, but the most important thing to him right now is patience, and working hard to reach his potential. "You have to be patient. You know, things are going to happen, when it’s ready to happen for you," said Hosley. "At the same time, you have to go out there and show them what you’re capable of doing, and why they brought you here. You have to have that determination, at the same time, it’s always a team first… You want to go out there and prove yourself, and prove your point, playing as a team, within the defense."

Hosley was known at Virginia Tech for his speed and atheticism.

"I think I can bring speed. Speed, playmaking ability, and the things they brought me here for," Hosley said. "I think that’s what I bring. We have a lot of talented guys on this team, so any one of us could fill that spot. I’m just going to go in there and work, and hopefully things will work out. My goal, my focus right now, is learning the playbook and doing my job."

Hosley has been used in the nickel cornerback spot throughout training camp. He says playing that slot position isn't something he did often at Virginia Tech, but he's been successful so far. Notably, he has made some nice plays while covering Victor Cruz in the nickel spot. He's anxious to see what else he can bring.

"It will happen. You just have to take it day-by-day and things will work out," said Hosley. "I’m looking forward to getting some more reps at the nickel spot. I enjoy playing it, and hopefully, it can work out for me."

Adjusting from playing outside on an island to inside in the nickel isn't easy, but Hosley said he can learn. "The space is a little tighter than on an island. You’re definitely going against the quicker guys like Victor, who can take you anywhere, spin you in circles and throw your weight. You have to definitely be capable of having that quickness, speed and just knowing the game. Knowing your gaps, knowing your fits and knowing your position in the defense. I think it’s an adjustment, but in time it’ll work out."

Cornerback Corey Webster has noticed the work Hosley has put in and sees his play being beneficial this season. "He’s young. I think he’s learning," said Webster. "I think he’s going to help us. Not just on his position but also on the special teams side of the things as well. I think he’s fitting in. He’s listening to the older guys and trying to make his transition great."

Cornerbacks coach Peter Giunta h pleased with the work Hosley has displayed thus far.

"He’s done a very good job. He’s learning the defense. He did a good job in the minicamps and the OTAs," said Giunta. "He’s done a good job of picking up the nickel spot as well as the corner spot. He’s very conscientious young man. Knows what to do. He spent extra time learning his technique. Learning his role. It’s just a question of going to the pro game. And playing the techniques the techniques where you can’t bang the guys five yards down the field. And playing against great receivers and great quarterbacks every down."

Hosley knows that in light of Thomas' injury, it's important to stay focused and wait for his turn to shine. He knows it's not just going to be handed over to him, especially with all of the depth that he's competing with.

"It’s unfortunate. Terrell’s situation… You just have to fill in and do your job, and when it’s your time to step up, step up," said Hosley. "You gotta do what you gotta do. We have a lot of talented guys that could step into that position, but you just have to do what you do. Hopefully, things will work out."