RB Saquon Barkley
September 3, 2018
Re: playing and practice time in the preseason
A: Yeah, there was only one week where I was like sure I wasn’t playing. But the rest, I was preparing just in case. You never know. I did get my practice reps, I was back on my normal schedule within preseason, and I felt pretty good throughout camp.
Q: Coach Shurmur had just mentioned he’s open to you being in the return game on kickoffs. Is that something you’re up for?
A: Yeah, I’ll be eager to definitely be in the mix of kickoff return. I did it in college. I was able to help my team out in college in that area. If they, or if I show that I’m capable of doing that for the Giants, why not? It’s definitely something I feel comfortable with, and I’m honestly willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. If that’s the job they want me to do, I would love to do that.
Q: You’ve hardly taken any hits during the preseason. In terms of football shape, how in shape are you to have a full load against Jacksonville?
A: A lot of people talk about football shape, and just being in shape regular. They don’t mean like their physical contact part of it. Obviously, that’s part of it, too. I still was able to take the physical contact within practice. I just didn’t go down to the ground, I got a little bit of it within the Browns. But, I feel I’m in really good physical football shape, because in practice, doing a little extra stuff with Stew (Jonathan Stewart) on the sideline – running, conditioning there. I was running the whole time when I was out. That’s more like track speed conditioning shape. So, the first day when I got back, I was a little winded. The best comparison is like a high school basketball player. Like they would understand going from football right into basketball season. It’s like two completely different conditionings. But I definitely feel pretty good in the football shape right now.
Q: What was your reaction when you see a guy like (QB) Davis Webb get cut?
A: Obviously, it’s new to me. I was able to see him in the locker room. It’s sad, because Davis was one of the first people I met when I came here. I remember I was going apartment searching. He was looking around the same spot I was looking at, and I got to meet him there, got to talk to him there. I just wish the best for that guy. He’s a great dude. He’s a hard worker. It’s football, that’s a part of the NFL. I guess that’s just this life I got to get used to, I guess. But, that’s part of it.
Q: You said you saw him in the locker room before he left. How would you describe his reaction to it?
A: The way Davis is, Davis is a competitor. Obviously, he wasn’t excited to get waived. I don’t think that’s going to stop him and stop his drive. Knowing him, he’s going to compete. Whatever team gets him, or whatever team he signs and goes to, I know he’s going to go in there and compete and work his butt off every single day. I’m just wishing him the best.
Q: Are you ready for a full workload against Jacksonville?
A: Yeah, I definitely think I’m ready for a full load. The way I’ve been preparing, the way I’ve been practicing. We got a whole bunch of great backs in our room. That’s going to help us in that area, too. I’m just excited for the game, excited to get the season started.
Q: Do you have any kind of relationship with (Jaguars RB) Leonard Fournette?
A: Yeah, a little bit. I’ve talked to him a couple of times. On social media, he joked around a little bit with the contract, when I got my contract deal. Worked out with him last year, in the offseason once too, and just throughout the nation knowing him too.
Q: How excited are you to show what you can do in your first regular season game?
A: I’m excited to show the team because, obviously, I only got a little bit of playing time there. I was able to make some plays happen in practice. I got to still be aware that it’s a long season and you have to take it game-by-game, and day-by-day. I’m just trying to get as ready as I can for this game – mentally and physically, and try the best that I can do, and try to do whatever I can do for my team to help them come out with a win.
