Q: How do you feel coming into camp?
A: I feel really good coming into camp. I'm just trying to keep the same mind frame and positive attitude and go out here and make some plays for this team. That's why I'm here.
Q: Are you going to make plays everywhere (refers to him volunteering for kick return and punt return)?
A: I'm trying to do anything, whatever they want me to do. I want to contribute and help the team in the best way possible.
Q: When did you decide to go to coach and say you'll do whatever is needed of you?
A: Since I've been here. It wasn't necessarily a week or a day. Since I have been here, I wanted to contribute to the team. No matter what it is.
Q: Was this something that Coach Coughlin was more cognizant of this year than any other year in the past?
A: No I don't think so. I just know that I personally want to help the team and win football games. I know that if I'm on the field and have an opportunity to do that, then I can help this team a lot. Whatever is available for me to do, I want to be out there and contribute to the team.
Q: Do you feel any different this year as time goes on and you're still waiting to have that break out year? Do you feel any different in your preparation or mentally as you prepare for this season?
A: No, I don't feel any different. I approach the season the same way as I did when I first got here. I want to win, I want to contribute and I want to do whatever I can that can bring something to the team. I approach this like I do every year. I just come out here, work hard and make plays for this team.
Q: With route running and things like that, does that get easier as time goes on?
A: Yes, I definitely think so. Something I work on each and every year is maintaining my speed in my routes and when I'm running routes. I also know the offense now so it's not a mindboggling thing for me to run around and say 'I don't know the plays' or anything like that. I know what I have to do and that is about me going out and executing.
Q: As time goes on, do you get concerned about not having had a super year or do you have to push that stuff out of your mind and focus on this?
A: I don't get concerned about that at all. Hard work does pay off and I truly believe in that so if I can continue to keep putting the work that I put in each and every year, the time will come.
Q: The injuries in the past?
A: That's the past. You're talking about 2006 so I don't worry about stuff like that.
Q: Did that set you behind at all that one year?
A: No, not at all.
Q: How tight are all you receivers as a group?
A: We are very, very tight. The young guys say I'm the veteran of the crew but I'm a young guy so it's funny when they say that but we are all very close, all out here with the same mind frame and just trying to have a good year. We're trying to make plays for the team. They keep saying we have these young guys but we want to step out there and contribute and produce results.
Q: Do the other guys give you a hard time about being the old guy?
A: Oh no, that's never a problem. They know I'm a young guy so they don't give me a hard time.
Q: The reps out there such as kickoff returns, punt returns, etc., is that one of those things where the more you do it, the more comfortable you are?
A: Most definitely. That is something that if you get the reps in, you get more comfortable doing it, especially in the game. If you get the reps in the game, you get comfortable doing it and you have no fear. You just go out there, catch the ball and make a play.
Q: Is that a place where you really feel you can make a difference?
A: I would love to be out there. That is something that I really want to do. Kickoff, punt return and wide receiver, I just want to contribute to the team.
Q: How much potential do you think these young receivers have?
A: I think they have a lot of potential. Steve Smith, for example, had a great year last year and I know that Hakeem (Nicks), Mario (Manningham), Ramses (Barden) and I should include myself can go out there when given the opportunity and give you the same great year. So there is a lot of potential and I'm just very excited and I can't wait until the season starts.
Q: What's Steve Smith's work ethic like?
A: He just works hard, that's the main thing. He stays focused and does the things that are necessary in contributing to the team.
Q: Have you offered any advice to Mario Manningham on how to deal with being on the sideline and having gone down that road yourself?
A: Just staying positive. We speak about a lot of things and talk as a group. Sometimes when you face an injury, you go through a little depression stage or whatever your mind goes through but staying positive and staying focused is the important thing and I know Mario (Manningham) is doing that right now and he should be back out there with us soon.
