8/03 NY Giants Training Camp Quotes from WR Hakeem Nicks

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks sat out of Tuesday's practice due to an injured toe. Nicks did not mention the injury, but he did talk about improving during training camp, preseason and the 2010 NFL season.

Nicks was quoted as saying he wants to be "more dependable at my position as well as being more consistent" during the upcoming season. Nicks was banged up last year but, when he was on the field, showed the ability to grow into a real number two threat at wide receiver for the Giants. The second year receiver knows he hasn't peaked yet, however, saying he intends on working on his routes and other things he "feels he should work on" during August.

Nicks was well behind last August due to contract negotiations. There is no such problem this summer, and fellow wide-outs such as Steve Smith and quarterback Eli Manning are going to make sure Nicks is 100 percent prepared for September. "I think as a group collectively we (Giants wide receivers) all encourage each other and help each other out," Nicks explained. "We know we have to work hard day in and day out, on and off the field and we know what it takes at the end of the day. Eli communicates a lot with us. Making sure we're on top of our game and making sure we are on the same page when we're out there."

Nicks has the tools to evolve into one of the best wide receivers in the NFC. Before he can take a step in that direction, though, Nicks must first get healed up.

All quotes via New York Giants Communications Office

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