At his post-practice news conference today, Tom Coughlin was asked about rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley.
We need for that guy to really come through for us," Coughlin said.
It remains to be seen how Hosley will perform in a game – beginning with the preseason opener Friday night in Jacksonville - but he certainly came through in each of the last two practices at the University at Albany. Yesterday, he got up the field on a punt return in roughly the same time it takes to sneeze. Today, he seemed to cover everybody and everything and made a terrific one-handed interception in the end zone of a David Carr pass for Jerrel Jernigan.
I saw it and then it's just time to go get it," said Hosley, a righty who caught the ball with his left hand. I couldn't get it with two (hands) so I had to get it with one. God blessed me with two, but if I can get it with one hand, I'll take it, too."
Hosley has distinguished himself in a crowded field at cornerback. He is a 5-10, 178-pounder from Virginia Tech with speed, athleticism and instincts. Just as important, he has quickly learned the Giants' defense and understands what is expected of him.
With the right reps and meeting time, it's definitely been coming along," Hosley said. I think the coaches have been doing a great job of helping the younger guys at that and giving us what we need to be successful and take that next step. I'm definitely feeling confident in the system.
We spend more time in the meeting rooms. I think that's key. It's good to get out there and get those reps, but when you're the meeting rooms you're seeing it every day and hearing it every day. And once you get out on the field, you see it a couple of times and it becomes second nature. And then after that, you're out there playing ball. That's why I feel like I'm to the point where I'm a little bit more comfortable and I can go out there and play ball and not think so much. So right now I'm feeling more comfortable and it's just going out there and doing what's expected of me. That's what they drafted me for."
A reporter suggested to Coughlin that Hosley is developing physically and mentally.
Seems like he is, and seems like he can handle it, too," Coughlin said. That's a good thing. He had a nice punt return yesterday, and had a nice interception play today. Good for him."
With Terrell Thomas sidelined for an undetermined length of time, Hosley has an opportunity to play a big role in the back of the defense.
It's time to step up," Hosley said. That's it. You got to go out there and do what's expected. Make sure I know my plays. When my number's called, I got to go and perform."
Coughlin and the Giants are counting on it.
ROOKIE BLOG: Hosley provides an inside look at his journey of making it in the NFL!
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