8/02 NY Giants Training Camp Quotes from Rookie Jason Pierre-Paul

New York Giants rookie defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul signed with the team just before the start of training camp. The rookie knew the importance of being with the team on day 1.

"It was real important to get in with the whole group," Pierre-Paul remarked during a Q&A session on Tuesday. "The conditioning test, I didn't want to do by myself. It was real important for me to get in on time." Players such as Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka have remarked that Pierre-Paul has a lot of promise but also has "lots of work" ahead of him. Pierre-Paul has yet to be intimated by the next level, saying "Everything's fast. Basically fast. Training camp, everything's fast. But I'm used to it though. Basically I just focused on the other players and see what they do and play my game and just do what I do."

Pierre-Paul's path to the NFL involved trips to both junior college and Division I NCAA football. Pierre-Paul has had to make plenty of adjustments over the past three years, and that is something that isn't going to change anytime soon. "I've been adjusting so fast," Pierre-Paul says. "When I got here, they worked on my stance. I had to change it quick, but I got it down pat."

Pierre-Paul signed a five year deal with the New York Giants on August 1, a contract that will earn him over $20 million, $11.6 million of which is guaranteed. Veterans on the Giants let the rookie hear about his new contract on day one of training camp. "Yeah, they were. They made jokes about it. They had me get up, say my name, and what school, my contract and I was getting ready to sing and all they were like 'No, just sit down. Sit down.' It was alright. I'm getting the hang of it. I'm having fun."

It's always interesting to compare quotes from a rookie such as Pierre-Paul with quotes from players like Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck. Pierre-Paul was very careful not to ruffle any feather in this Q&A. Pierre-Paul was sure to be modest about his own skills and not mention any other Giants by name. When asked about a "scrum" involving himself and some Giants offensive linemen, Pierre-Paul simply said "Yeah, yeah. It was cool. We get into altercations and stuff. It's cool." Hopefully, Pierre-Paul can remain cool in camp, until it's time to unleash his pass rushing skills on opposing quarterbacks.

All quotes via the New York Giants Communications Office

For more: Read New York Giants training camp quotes from Tom Coughlin, quotes from Shaun O'Hara, quotes from Justin Tuck, quotes from Mathias Kiwanuka and and follow NYGExaminer on Twitter