category. He has many similarities to fellow ESPN 300 QB Sean Cliffor

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- After missing the playoffs the past four seasons, the New York Giants have a right to be optimistic.The NFLs worst defense has been bolstered by off-season signings. The offense returns most of its players after a solid season. And there is a belief that new coach Ben McAdoo can step in for Tom Coughlin and return the Giants to their recent glory years.It was all there to see on Thursday as the Giants reported to training camp. That is until McAdoo noted that defensive tackle Damon `Snacks Harrison is going to start camp on the physically unable to perform list because of swelling in his knee.McAdoo said the injury is not serious, but it certainly put a damper on Day 1.Harrison signed a five-year, $46.25 million contract to be in the center of the line. Now he is injured, and one has to wonder whether injuries are going to get the Giants yet again.Linebacker J.T. Thomas (hamstring) and defensive tackle Jay Bromley (ankle) also are starting camp on the PUP list.McAdoo said their injuries also are not serious. Well see.If the Giants can stay healthy, their talent is deep enough with the signings of defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, linebacker Keenan Robinson and the re-signing of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, to get them to the postseason.We talked to the expectation with everybody. Our goal is still to put the fifth (Lombardi) trophy in the case, McAdoo said after meeting with the team. The other thing we addressed is that it is just words right now. We have to go out there and put the work in and earn it.While the Giants have posted consecutive 6-10 seasons, they were not that far off last year. They lost six games either late in the fourth quarter or in overtime.Guard Justin Pugh said this is the most talented team he has been on in in his four seasons with the Giants.Im very confident in this team he said. I think where we were at last year, we lost some crucial games down the stretch, and I think we should have been in last year. I think we missed some big opportunities last year to go to the playoffs, and I think that obviously that is the goal. I am very confident with the guys in this room and the locker room, that were going to be successful this year.Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr., are focal points of the offense, but the potential increases if Victor Cruz can return after missing most of the past two seasons, rookie receiver Sterling Shepard lives up to the hype, and the O-line can open some holes for running back Rashad Jennings and company.This team can be really good, Jennings said, by paper and by talent that we actually have on this team. So speaking especially from the offensive standpoint, going into Year 3, we have high expectations and this will be a disappointment if we dont complete what we are looking for.The defense is expected to make the biggest improvement. Vernon gives the Giants one of the leagues top pass rushers, and the hope is JPP will be able to do more now that his mangled right hand has had more than a year to recover from the July 4, 2015 fireworks accident.Pierre-Paul insists his hand is fine. He wont have to use a club-type glove on it this season, which might help. He added he had one offseason procedure to help heal the hand.He hedged for a second when asked about the potential of the defense.We have to see, he said. I know people have high expectations and they should. As a defensive player, you should have high expectations.Second-year safety Landon Collins said it took half a season for the unit to have confidence in coordinator Steve Spagnuolos new defense. Finishing ranked last left a chip on their shoulders.You put it behind you, you dont think about it, but you know you were 32 in the league and now youre just pushing to be top 10 in the league, Collins said. Thats our biggest thought.So is getting to the playoffs.I liked the look in their eyes. McAdoo said. They were hungry to get going. They were chomping at the bit, like I am. Its a good place to start.---NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL JaMychal Green Jersey . -- Ohio States Urban Meyer has never had any issue acclimating to the biggest stages in college football. Rodney McGruder Jersey . -- James Young couldnt wait to apply those tweaks to his jump shot, and the first one he made against UT Arlington told him it could be a good night. https://www.clipperslockerroom.com/Maurice-Harkless-City-Edition-Jersey/ Landry Shamet Clippers Jersey . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. Chris Paul Jersey . Blackwood, 28, has played the last three seasons in the San Diego Padres system, including the past two summers with Class AA San Antonio of the Texas League. The latest update to the?2017 ESPN 300 features significant changes in current rankings and a few key additions. Spring and summer camps and combines have changed opinions on some players. The football season is right around the bend, and senior campaigns will further determine the final rankings.Below are some highlights of the major changes:Biggest skill position moversQB Hunter Johnson (Brownsburg, Indiana) ESPN 300: 19 Clemson commit Johnson takes over the No. 1 QB spot for the pocket-passers. Simply put, he is just more advanced. However, he is not tapped out, which is exciting. He is polished, he can control the ball, and he is athletic. As a passer, he has many Josh Rosen-like qualities.WR Jeff Thomas (East St. Louis, Illinois) ESPN 300: 96 Thomas has really come around after some academic and off-field issues that put his senior season in jeopardy. After a strong spring and summer showing, both on the field and in the classroom, Thomas is ranked where his on-field ability warrants.QB Tua Tagovailoa (Honolulu/Saint Louis School) ESPN 300: 55 Alabama commit Of all the athletic, dual-threat QBs, Tagovailoa is the best passer of the group, especially when it comes to accuracy and timing. Although he does not possess ideal measurables, he compensates in so many other ways and has a great feel for the position. For these reasons, he takes over the No. 1 dual-threat QB spot heading into the fall.WR Trevon Grimes (Fort Lauderdale, Florida/St. Thomas Aquinas) ESPN 300: 27 To appreciate Grimes is to see him move and change directions in comparison to other players at the position who are nowhere near as big as he is. He is a load as a route runner and jump-ball player and is imposing with the ball in his hands after the catch. Even at 6-foot-4, 202 pounds, he moves like a small receiver.RB Toneil Carter (Houston/Langham Creek) ESPN 300: 94 Georgia commit Carter was able to put on a show in the passing game at The Opening this summer. He has return game capabilities that makes him a three-way threat out of the backfield and in the kicking game. At 5-foot-11, 198, he might not have ideal stature, but he can scoot and is dangerous in space and at the second level as a running back.Big men make big gainsOT Foster Sarell (Graham, Washington/Graham-Kapowsin) ESPN 300: 12 An already strong offensive tackle class is managing to look even stronger as the evaluation process continues. Five OTs now rank among the top 15 prospects, with Sarell jumping more than a dozen spots in the updated ESPN 300. The four-star possesses excellent size with a big frame to continue to develop and is demonstrating the tools to be an outstanding college tackle. With his size, agility and strength, he can take away the edge from pass-rushers and push defenders around the in the run game. On film, Sarell displays his talent, but seeing him in person facing off and performing well against some of the nations top defenders over several days at The Opening showed he was deserving of a bump and to be among the top five tackles in this talented group.OT Walker Little (Houston/Episcopal) ESPN 300: 100 When youre teammates with five-star DT Marvin Wilson, it can be easy to be overlooked, but as the process unfolds, Little is creating some buzz of his own. He has a massive frame and outstanding strength, and hee has shown that once he gets his hands on a defender, the battle is over.dddddddddddd Littles strength is impressive, but he has also flashed above average lateral mobility. Little is a prospect who has shown continued improvement throughout the evaluation process.G Robert Hainsey (Bradenton, Florida/IMG) ESPN 300: 51 Notre Dame commit Tough, versatile and competitive, Hainsey makes a well-deserved jump. He needs to continue to develop his frame, but he is a strong, aggressive player with good technique. Listed as one of the nations top offensive guards, Hainsey can line up at tackle as well as center. His best fit at Notre Dame will be guard, but he can bring valuable depth to the Fighting Irishs OL unit with his ability to play multiple spots. He has continually impressed with his competitive nature, and he demonstrates that he not only can be a productive player but also has the potential to develop into a tone-setter and anchor for that OL unit.C Cesar Ruiz (Bradenton, Florida/IMG) ESPN 300: 70 Ruiz remains the top center prospect while climbing the overall rankings. The four-star has shown excellent growth since his sophomore season -- not just physically but as an all-around player. He possesses excellent size and strength, and like his IMG Academy teammate Hainsey, he is a tough, physical player. Ruiz, however, has also shown strong football smarts, and if he stays on the same trajectory of growth and improvement, he could not only be an excellent college center but also quickly compete for a starting role.G Navaughn Donaldson (Miami/Central) ESPN 300: 88 Miami commit He is not only a massive, physical player, but he is also quite mobile for his size and flashes the ability to be an overwhelming presence at guard. Donaldson has managed to be among the top performers at offseason events, earning a move into the top 100.Notable new entriesQB Tommy Devito (Ramsey, New Jersey/Don Bosco) ESPN 300: 136 Syracuse commit He has really impressed in terms of his physical makeup and arm strength. He is a good athlete but not a dynamic one, which puts him in the pocket-passer category. He has many similarities to fellow ESPN 300 QB Sean Clifford.CB Jaylon Johnson (Fresno, California/Central East) ESPN 300: 190 Johnson was an impressive spring riser on the recruiting trail and on the camp circuit. His performance at The Opening and continued physical development triggered his rise into the ESPN 300. Also, he has few physical flaws on tape. Hes a fast closer and transitions cleanly with limited wasted motion for a corner with his length.CB Elijah Blades (Pasadena, California/John Muir) ESPN 300: 267 Florida commit The 6-foot-2 prospect was a spring riser with college coaches, and he backed up his stock with strong camp showings. Blades has exceptional instincts and awareness.LB Antjuan Simmons (Ann Arbor, Michigan/Pioneer) ESPN 300: 294 Ohio State commit The 6-foot-1, 209-pound player impressed in the spring and summer after adding bulk weight to his frame. He retained athletic ability and even made gains in explosiveness. Simmons was originally evaluated as a downhill running back, but his physical tools and upside now project best at linebacker. ' ' '