RB Orleans Darkwa
August 13, 2017
Q: How do you feel your training camp is going so far?
A: It’s going well. For the most part, the running backs as a group look well. As far as my individual performance, I think I’ve done a good job not only running the ball, but all three phases of pass blocking and catching and obviously special teams as well. I’m just trying to keep it going.
Q: How different is it going in and being healthy?
A: It’s a big difference. Last year, at this point, it was feeling good but I had some good days and bad days in how I was feeling. I’m still... I would say as far as I’m feeling right now, it’s camp. You’re never going to be feeling great, but as far as the legs go, they’re feeling pretty good.
Q: As someone who knows the offense, what are some of the differences in this offense in this season compared to previous seasons?
A: As far as the whole offense? We’ve been moving fast as an offense: installs, the rookies are catching on pretty fast. As far as a unit, we’ve been moving pretty fast with the install. Everybody has been looking pretty smooth and crisp, so it’s been going pretty well as a whole. We’re just trying to keep it going.
Q: What do you think the running back room learned from the Pittsburgh game the other night?
A: So much. For the rookies (RBs Wayne Gallman, Khalid Abdullah and Shane Smith), it was obviously their first game, how fast it goes. A lot of things, how the fits are important in pass protections. Just the little things that you all might not see, but as a unit, (Running Backs Coach Craig) Johnson tries to teach us very well. Pass protection is key, protecting number ten (QB Eli Manning) and whoever’s back there handling the ball. Ball security: holding on to the football. We want to try to minimize turnovers. Just try to run hard, don’t overthink things and just go out there and do your best.
Q: How is it different running behind a fullback?
A: I guess I did it in high school and college. We didn’t have it last year, but it feels good. Shane Smith and Jacob Huesman have done a good job as far as knowing their assignments and once they know what to do, they’re coming with a full head of steam. It’s good to play with them and they’ve been doing a good job.
Q: How much (energy) do you have to put out to tell yourself, ‘I really have to make the team’?
A: In the past couple of years, you always think about the roster bubble and making the 53 (man roster). I came into this camp with a clear mind and just go out there and do my best. I don’t worry about making the roster and all those types of things, just going out there and giving my best effort. Let the chips fall where they may. I’m just trying to do my best as far as making sure my health and my conditioning are on point. Those six weeks after OTAs were really crucial. I was actually in Miami with (former Giants RB) Rashad Jennings. He obviously works hard so I try to follow in his footsteps in that aspect. They were a good six weeks and I’m trying to put it all on the table in training camp.
Q: With RB Paul Perkins having the starting job, do you look at that job and want it, too?
A: Oh yeah, of course. I think any running back, if you don’t have the mentality that you want to be the guy, then what are you doing? I try and go in there with that mentality that, obviously he (Head Coach Ben McAdoo) said he’s the starter, but try to go in with the mentality that I want to be the starter and take his job. I think that pushes everybody. Obviously, he’s not going to be complacent at that position. He wants to make sure he solidifies that spot, and every running back in that room is trying to do that same thing.
