Pierre-Paul gaining in confidence

[USFishin]

Published: August 22, 2011

Pierre-Paul gaining in confidence

By TBO.com | The Associated Press

When the New York Giants look at defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul these days, they no longer see a freakish athlete who has the ability to show flashes of brilliance on the football field.

With a year under his belt, the first-round pick in 2010 from the University of South Florida is suddenly playing with a sense of confidence that makes coaches and teammates believe that he will be a major contributor this season.

The 22-year-old also is one of the people benefiting from the absence of veteran Osi Umenyiora, who has missed much of the preseason because of a contract dispute and, more recently, a knee injury.

The Giants play the Bears tonight on Monday Night Football.

"I am getting the chance to go out here and prove to the coaches what I can do," Pierre-Paul said. "Like I said, it's up to them what they want me to do, start or not. I am looking forward to it."

Defensive line coach Robert Nunn gets a little smile on his face talking about Pierre-Paul, who had 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two recoveries in 16 games last season

"There's no question. This kid is talented," Nunn said. "He's a very unique player. I've been around the league 12 years and I have not coached one that he compares to. He's kind of his own guy — how strong he is and how talented and how much range he has. We've got a long way to go to get the technique that he needs to have to reach that potential."

What most people don't realize is that the 6-foot-5 Pierre-Paul has been playing football for roughly six years. He didn't start playing until his senior year in high school when a leg injury hurt his basketball career. He played a couple of seasons at community colleges and two years at USF before turning pro.

The one area Pierre-Paul wants to improve is his play against the run, noting anyone can rush the quarterback.

There aren't many who can get sacks and stop the run.

"You've got to give it all you got," he said. "You don't allow yourself to be pushed. You push them. That's it."

Link

[GaUSFBull]

Pretty sure he only played one year at USF. 

[BleedGreenAndGold]

Pretty sure he only played one year at USF. 

:shhh

[GaUSFBull]

Pretty sure he only played one year at USF. 

:shhh

Someone was going to say it eventually ... might as well be me.  :rainy

[Jihme]

Nice story.  Let's go Big Blue!

[bulls phanatic]

Can't wait to see what he does as the starter for the first 3 or 4 games Osi is out.

[BullFan98]

Good luck tonight JPP

[Jihme]

i hope he crushes cutler

[mikemcp88]

He is going to be a stud within 2-3 years at the most. Can't wait to see this guy get more playing time especially being a Giants fan

[Bruce Blingstein]

All the Giants fans I talk to are excited about JPP.