Herd seeking Bradshaw's replacement
ALBANY, N.Y. – The Giants will begin training camp with all eight of their draft choices eligible for action.
The team today announced it has signed five more 2007 draftees, including its top two selections, cornerback Aaron Ross and wide receiver Steve Smith. The others signed today were tackle Adam Koets, a sixth-round pick, and both seventh-round choices, safety Michael Johnson and running back Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Giants had previously announced the signing of their other three players taken in the draft: defensive tackle Jay Alford (third round), linebacker Zak DeOssie (fourth round) and tight end Kevin Boss (fifth round).
Ross, who won the Jim Thorpe Award last year as the nation’s best defensive back while playing at the University of Texas, was the 20th player selected in the first round. He was eager to sign his contract in time to attend the opening of training camp. The players reported today to the University at Albany.
“We ended (mini) camp as a family together four weeks ago, so I wanted the same feeling when I got here,” Ross said. “From day one I want to be out there with the vets, with the rookies, with the coaches. In two weeks we’ve got a preseason game, so I didn’t want to miss any time. I wanted to learn the new system, get everything under me, get comfortable with the new guys.”
Surrounded by a cluster of print and broadcast reporters, Ross was thrilled to be back with his teammates and ready to get on the field.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I feel like it’s my first year at college again, coming in to the dorms and checking in and just mingling with all the guys. Of course, there is also a lot of media around the University of Texas, so I feel like I’m at home.”
With his speed, explosiveness, athleticism and production, Ross is expected to be a big contributor for the Giants as a rookie. He could press veterans Corey Webster, Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters for a starting job, but insists he isn’t looking that far ahead.
“I’m not thinking about starting at all,” Ross said. “I’m just trying to learn the system, learn the plays and I’m trying to learn from all the other guys and whatever happens, happens.”
One thing he’d like to happen is for him to return punts. At Texas he averaged 11.8 yards on 76 punt returns. Ross scored three touchdowns, including an 88-yarder in 2005.
“That is something I really want to do,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get back there this year and help the punt return. That’s something I’ve been doing all my life, since I’ve been playing football, so I’m really excited about getting back there and doing it.”
So now that he’s an instant millionaire, what has Ross done to celebrate?
“I actually haven’t done anything,” he said. “I haven’t gotten any money yet.”
But he’ll start earning it immediately. After their 1 p.m. conditioning testing, the Giants will meet today and have two practices tomorrow and Sunday.
Smith, who caught 190 passes and scored 22 touchdowns at USC, was chosen in the second round with the 51st overall pick. He performed well in the spring camps and is expected to contribute in his debut season.
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