Just last week, Paul Perkins was in Los Angeles taking his final exams as a student at UCLA. Fast forward to this week, Perkins is at minicamp as a member of the New York Giants.
Perkins was prohibited from team OTAs and spring workouts due to the NFL’s rule stating all rookies must complete their academic requirements before joining team activities. Amidst the final exam studying and workouts, Perkins was able to stay in the loop.
“I had an iPad with all the plays and a script with what they were doing each day,” Perkins said. “And then (running backs) coach (Craig) Johnson would call me periodically throughout the week to see how I was doing – and coach (Ben) McAdoo, as well.”
The fifth-round rookie RB has plenty of catching up to do, but this year there are plenty of veteran Giant running backs to help answer questions.
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“The guys – Rashad and Shane and Andre – have really helped me get acclimated to the system, and have really taken me under their wing.”
Fortunately for the Giants, a saturated six-deep running back core means plenty of competition for a team that struggled with a consistent run threat in the 2015-16 season. Veterans include Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa, newly signed Bobby Rainey, and Paul Perkins. Giants offensive coordinator, Coach Sullivan, certainly doesn’t mind the overflow, stating:
"“…gives us some good problems to have in terms of saying who’s going to be the individual or individuals who are going to carry the football.”"
While Perkins will have an overflow of competition this summer, he is looked at as a valuable late-round pick up for the New York Giants.
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Although behind in his playbook study and repetitions, Perkins plans on going all-in for his training camp preparations. When asked whether he is going to try and take in the plays little-by-little or with full force, Perkins responded.
“I think I’m gonna take the whole enchilada.”