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Giants news, 4/22: For new Giants, an adjustment period

New York Jets v New England Patriots
Damon Harrison with the Jets
Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

After general manager Jerry Reese spoke to the media on Thursday, several New York Giants players were also made available to the media. We touched Thursday on remarks by new Giants Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon, as well as Devon Kennard saying he changed his training regimen in an effort to avoid injuries.

Let's look at some of the other information that came out of Thursday's availability.

"Snacks" is looking good

After spending the first four years of his NFL career wearing New York Jets green and white, Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison said Thursday he is surprised that "I look good in red and blue."

Harrison will be rocking the No. 98 jersey for the Giants. Harrison said his transition from playing for Gang Green has "been easy."

"Being on the other side of town in the other locker room, you kind of admired what was going on here because everywhere you go, they are always talking about the New York Giants this, the New York Giants that and now to actually be here and to be a part of it is amazing," Harrison said.

Richburg growing into leadership role

The 2015 season was the second for Weston Richburg as a starter for the Giants, but his first at his natural center position. Former Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty used to say Richburg has some "Bossman" in him. Entering his third NFL season, Richburg is growing into the role of leader of the offensive line.

"I think as a center, you’re really the quarterback of the offensive line, so I was able to kind of take that role and it’s evident to me how much of an impact I do have on these guys," Richburg said. "If I’m positive, they’re able to be positive easily. If I’m negative, maybe that affects them, so it’s important for me to kind of be level-headed and always be aware that guys are watching me, and I need to be that point of influence in a positive way for those guys."

Don't call him Janoris

Sure he will answer to it, but Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins would prefer if you didn't use his given name. He would rather be called by his nickname, "Jackrabbit."

"When I’m around my guys and around the facility, yes. I prefer to be called Jackrabbit," Jenkins said.

So, where does the nickname come from?

"I’m from the muck. Pahokee, Fla., near West Palm Beach. Growing up, I always chased rabbits. When I got to Florida, I didn’t really know the place. My coach saw that I was moving everywhere and moving fast, so he just started calling me Jackrabbit," he said.

For Olivier Vernon, it's all new

Defensive end Olivier Vernon is playing and living outside of Miami for the first time in his life.

"I spent my whole life there. My whole life in Miami. 25 years. It’s different. It’s a different chapter. Being able to see something different, a bigger city, a faster pace, but it’s always good to have a change of scenery from time to time and I’m glad I chose this spot to make my home," Vernon said.

"It’s been pretty cold. I’m not used to that yet around this time of the year, but it’s something I can get used to. I already know when the season comes along it’s going to get a heck of a lot colder. ... I’ve played in cold weather. I’ve played in snow before. I’ve never lived in snow and have never had to shovel snow a day in my life. The only thing I had to worry about is hurricanes and the sun, but I don’t think it will be too bad."

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was asked a couple of weeks ago which side Vernon would play since Jason Pierre-Paul has experience on both sides. Thursday, Vernon expressed a preference to stay on the right.

"I played a little bit on the opposite side. I don’t know. It’s just something I have to get adjusted to if that tends to happen," Vernon said. "I’m really comfortable on the right side. I’ve always played the right side."