Tom Coughlin extended his right arm, made a side-to-side zig-zag gesture with his right hand and made a “chu-chu-chu’’ sound, trying to convey a quick stop and start, change of direction motion.
It was a visual and audible attempt to explain what the Giants coach believes the team can get out of Jerrel Jernigan, a belief that has to be wearing thin as the days, weeks, months and years go by with no tangible evidence to support Coughlin’s claim.
“We’ve always looked forward to having Jerrel, based on the things that we saw when he was in college,’’ Coughlin said.
Ah yes, college, back when Jernigan was seemingly a one-man wrecking crew at Troy, catching the ball, running the ball, throwing the ball, returning the ball, a diminutive dervish that so impressed the Giants, they made him their 2011 third-round draft pick. That’s quite an investment on a player who is no sure thing to make this year’s roster, a player who in 17 games for the Giants has three career receptions for 22 yards and hasn’t cracked open anything in limited kick return opportunities.
There have been several “this is the game’’ scenarios for Jernigan, who despite nagging injuries and not much production has avoided getting cut, mainly because he’s such a high draft pick and giving up on a third-rounder so early makes everyone look bad. Tonight, with Victor Cruz (bruised heel) sitting out as the Giants face the Jets, Jernigan gets moved into a place of prominence, as he’ll be the slot receiver between Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle, looking to catch the attention of Eli Manning and show some of those moves the Giants are waiting to see.
“Every game’s a big game for me,’’ Jernigan told The Post, breaking out into a little laugh when asked about the importance of this game. “I don’t just pinpoint this game — because Victor went down — as a big game for me. You never want to see anybody get hurt, but it’s an opportunity for other guys to step up and showcase their talent.’’
Most summers, there’s a young receiver or two opening eyes, pushing the incumbents for roster spots, at times (See Victor Cruz, 2010) surprising everyone and sticking around. That wasn’t the case this training camp. Kris Adams did some good things but broke his leg in the preseason opener. Brandon Collins, on the practice squad last season, showed flashes, but he’s suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Kevin Hardy, a rookie from The Citadel, has his moments but is an extreme long shot.
The Giants re-signed Ramses Barden, another former third-round pick who did not pan out, and added Louis Murphy, a five-year NFL veteran. Murphy, sidelined with a leg injury, hasn’t shown much of his supposed speed. Barden has been solid, though hardly spectacular, as a possession-type receiver. Barden (knee) and Murphy aren’t expected to play tonight.
So it is not as if this is mission impossible for Jernigan, just 24 years old. All the Giants want to see is a play here, a play there to allow them to exclaim, “That’s why we drafted the kid!’’
Jernigan, though, missed the preseason game against the Colts with a strained hamstring, not exactly a rare occurrence. Nagging issues always seem to negate any positive movement.
“Yeah, there’s been some frustration with that,’’ Coughlin said. “He’s had some very good days at practice. Hopefully, he’s had enough where he’ll play well in the game and come through it strong and give us some more options.’’
Said Jernigan: “I feel all right, I’m good enough to go out there and play, so we’ll see. It’s frustrating when you can’t open up and run.’’
Opening up and running is his game; at 5-foot-8 and 189 pounds, he’s not going to overpower anyone. Receivers coach Kevin M. Gilbride says Jernigan must improve on “creating separation from defenders when they’re trying to be physical with him.’’
Jernigan has made strides, but Gilbride adds: “There’s very much that still needs to be done in order for him to be ready to be a consistent contributor.’’
Like everyone else, Manning has been watching and waiting for Jernigan.
“He’s showed some promising days where he does a lot of good things,’’ Manning said. “He’s got good quickness. I’m excited about him [tonight] and hopefully he can have a good day for us.’’
3 GIANTS TO WATCH
Jim Cordle, Center
With David Baas out with a knee injury, Cordle, a seldom-used backup the past two years, gets a shot to prove he is a worthy replacement, as it’s likely Baas won’t be ready to return for the season opener against the Cowboys.
Curtis Painter, Quarterback
This might be the last good shot for Painter to supplant David Carr as Eli Manning’s backup. Carr, so-so against the Colts, sits this one out, and Painter should get at least a quarter.
Justin Pugh, Right tackle
First start for the rookie first-round pick, and he is sure to be challenged by defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets’ top defensive lineman. Pugh will certainly be tested and see plenty of pressure aimed at him.