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Okereke mentioned he at all times ‘had my eye’ at the Giants in loose company
Bobby Okereke is a skilled participant who had choices entering his loose company. However Okereke at all times had his eyes at the Large Apple and the New York Giants.
“This used to be a group I had my eyes on,” the Giants’ new off-ball linebacker mentioned Thursday. “There used to be numerous mutual passion. When issues got here in line, simply labored it out with my agent. I informed him that after we’ve got the fitting deal, I’m in a position to drag the cause. So, it is in truth the easiest scenario for me.
“There have been a couple of groups all for the entire procedure. And I informed my agent from day one, ‘I need to play in New York Town.’ New York Town has been one among my favourite towns, rising up, my complete lifestyles. And this franchise is rising. I used to be very lucky to play in the back of (Colts defensive linemen) DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Very particular defensive take on, and in an effort to reflect that, if now not support with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams right here, it is a very lucky alternative for me as a linebacker. I am excited. I am excited for the chance I’m excited to fulfill the leaders of this group. I’m excited to be part of this protection and franchise.
Okereke signed a four-year, $40 million contract on Wednesday, bettering on a scenario the place the Giants were not in a position to discover a everlasting answer a season in the past.
Okereke had 132 tackles in 2021 and 151 in 2022. He’s additionally identified to be a very good protection linebacker, which the Giants may no doubt benefit from. Then again, he hasn’t had a breakout efficiency continuously in his profession, and has most effective two sacks in his 4 seasons.
He is aware of Vink will exchange Martindale as his defensive coordinator.
“I’ll blitz much more, which I am interested by,” Okereke mentioned. “I love to play rapid and bodily. And I believe that is why Trainer Martindale blitzes such a lot, so the gamers can play freely. There may be now not numerous pondering, and that’s the reason what you wish to have to finally end up with. You need to get rid of the pondering and simply make rapid selections.”
Okereke mentioned that with the Indianapolis Colts he used to be continuously used as a protection linebacker whilst others have been despatched to blitz.
“I believe protection has been such an asset of mine,” Okereke mentioned. “Coaches have at all times felt that in the event that they assault me in entrance, I’m a man who can transparent issues up. Or if I am the one guy in protection, I am about to get stuck.
Listed below are one of the most different subjects Okereke addressed on Thursday.
Week 17 vs. Giants
Okereke had a career-high 17 tackles within the 38–10 loss to the Giants, together with two for loss and a compelled fumble.
Okereke mentioned, “Truthfully the entirety got here in combination in that sport.” “I used to be simply excited, enjoying in point of fact smartly. And I were given right into a groove in that sport, clearly 17 tackles. Had a compelled fumble, then some TFLs (tackles for loss). Very loose enjoying me Felt. So, it used to be thrilling. And for it to be my preferrred sport of the yr, for it to return complete circle, and for me to be a New York Massive on this second, it is in point of fact surreal.
Okereke additionally drew a private foul penalty overdue in that sport for successful on quarterback Daniel Jones, and he is aware of he will be listening to about it from his new teammates.
“Possibly some humorous shit will occur,” Okereke mentioned. “However Daniel and I made it higher after the sport. I informed him it wasn’t intentional. He is a aggressive man. I am a aggressive man. He is seeking to run away and I am seeking to prevent him from operating away.” am. Clearly now not deliberately seeking to hit him within the head or anything else. However we ditched it and cleared the air. We must be just right. Crimson jersey – he is secure. I am hands-off .
Jones gave Okereke a shot of his personal on a scramble later within the sport. As a freshman, Okereke mentioned he can respect that in regards to the quarterback.
“The loopy factor about it’s clearly when a quarterback is operating, you’re feeling like he can slide. However all over that sport, you need to simply really feel his pleasure to win,” Okereke mentioned. “He is operating into the top zone. He is barling in me. He’s doing the entirety conceivable to make his group win. So, I’ve numerous admire for that man. And I am excited to be teammates with him.”
Paris Campbell’s signature
Previous Thursday, the Giants added extensive receiver Parris Campbell — a teammate of Okereke’s with the Colts. Okereke mentioned he used to be “excited as hell” about Campbell becoming a member of the Giants.
“You are getting a quick, bodily man. And you are getting an ideal chief,” Okereke mentioned. “He has an ideal character. He is aggressive. Parise is simply an ideal man.
Campbell’s first 3 NFL seasons have been marred by means of accidents. Okereke mentioned he at all times knew Campbell, who had a career-best 63 receptions in 2022, is usually a productive participant if he can keep wholesome.
“He at all times had unique pace. I noticed that from day one OTAs. Were given guys to return into the league and to find his frame,” Okereke mentioned. He has confronted numerous adversity with accidents, but it surely It is made them extra resilient. You noticed in his first yr of full-time manufacturing, he used to be very a success. So, he is simply having a look ahead to capitalizing on that and rising.
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