Transcript: Cornerback Prince Amukamara

CB Prince Amukamara

August 27, 2015

Q: Are you looking forward to your first game action of the preseason?

A: For sure. I think preseason games are important because you get your body in shape and you start to work that muscle memory. And going against players from a different team. So I’m excited I get to play this week.

Q: How are you feeling with the groin? Is this something you’re still managing or is it something you are completely over now?

A: I feel like I’m completely over. I’ve been full-go, not limited in any reps. I’ve been able to do everything that I did before I got injured. So I wouldn’t say I’m limited in any case.

Q: You’ve been here for a number of years, what does this Jets-Giants preseason game usually mean? Is there still any juice to this rivalry at this time of the year?

A: I think it’s a rivalry only because it’s in-state, both teams in-state. We’re about like an hour away from each other and we play at the same stadium. I know for our fans it’s a huge game. Jets and Giants can split families, so I’ve heard. I’ve never played against a rivalry being at Nebraska. We were the only team there. So I’m excited about this game, it’s fun. And I think there’s going to be great matchups with like [Darrelle] Revis and Cro [Antonio Cromartie] going against—I don’t know if Reuben is up, but Reuben and Odell. And then with me and DRC going up against Decker and Marshall. I’m excited for this game.

Q: Plus you get to play them down the road, obviously in a real game.

A: Exactly, yeah. And that’s huge. I’m sure that game, later in the season, is going to have more weight on it.

Q: You’ve been around for a few years, what do you make of this whole GPS when you can recover?

A: It’s definitely new, but I don’t think any of the guys are complaining anytime that we can get rest. But also, work on our soft tissue muscles and getting massage and stretching. And spend more time in the meeting room. So it’s more of a mental day. I think guys really like that. Coach said he’ll just see how we respond—and that’s just our energy and our enthusiasm at practice tomorrow. If we respond right, hopefully we can keep the schedule.

Q: So there’s a pact between the players? You go out there and win 41-0 on Saturday night, he’ll give you GPS every week.

A: Exactly, exactly. It’s kind of similar to the bye week. If you go out and demolish the team before your bye week, you would hope your coach would give you the whole week off.

Q: Could you foresee this happening on a Friday during regular season?

A: I don’t know, because I don’t know what the Saturday practice is going to be like. I think it all depends on how fast and tough the Saturday’s practice is. But if we respond well to it, I’m sure Coach Coughlin will take in our insight. I’m sure that we’ll continue to do.

Q: Tom doesn’t seem like the type of coach who would give up practice because a computer tells him to. Does that surprise you?

A: Right. Yes, very surprised. I would say injuries may have something to do with it. Injuries have been huge the last couple of years here. So I guess guys—I guess we’re all just trying to figure out and just trying to do different stuff to help prevent that.

Q: You were vocal in the spring about getting the young guys at safety to come together. This last week you guys have taken some more hits. Just curious what you’ve been seeing when Meriweather and Miles are back there together. Is it a different feel to when the young guys were back there?

A: I wouldn’t say different feel because everyone is new to this defense. But a guy like Meriweather—he’s a for sure, true vet. So he definitely takes ownership of the defense. So does Miles, and Collins does, too, when he’s in there. So I haven’t played in a game with them yet, so we’ll just see how we all play together. That’s what I like about preseason, because you get to build that chemistry and that communication.

Q: Is it comforting to have a guy like Meriweather back there? After losing so many guys, you could have been left with an undrafted rookie here or whoever. But to get a guy like him, it’s unusual.

A: For sure. And especially because of his reputation. Just being a hard hitter. I’m sure quarterbacks and offensive coordinators are going to know where he’s at on the field and whether he’s going to post or something like that. Hopefully that puts fear in them from going across the middle.

Q: You’re not saying that your defensive back might be targeting a wide receiver are you?

A: I’m not saying that at all. I’m just saying that his reputation is known for being a hard hitter. He’s talked about being more careful when hitting. But when two guys are going full speed, it’s kind of hard to adjust.