A year after being forced to play nickel corner — chafing and even talking about wanting to leave the Giants — safety Antrel Rolle has been thrust back into the nickel role again, at least for the moment, because of Terrell Thomas’ ACL injury.
Still, Rolle claims he’ll do whatever Big Blue needs, even if it doesn’t match up with what he wants.
“Yeah, that’s an accurate read,’’ Rolle said when asked about his preference for playing his natural position. “But in life, sometimes you’re going to get some changes. … You have to play the cards that are dealt to us. It’s something I’ve done before. I’m not a stranger in this position, so if I have to play it, then so be it.’’
With Thomas out with a partially torn ACL, the Giants are relying on seasoned vet Rolle in the nickel unless another corner emerges, like raw rookie Jayron Hosley. Rolle filled in admirably there during last season’s Super Bowl run, and — after a chat with safeties coach Dave Merritt — says he’s willing to do it again.
“Well, in this league, we have to have an open mind. A ball player is a ball player,’’ said Rolle, 29. “It doesn’t matter what position you are at. And if I have to go down there and do it again, then so be it.’’
Coach Tom Coughlin said Rolle would be both a willing and outstanding nickel, though he noted Big Blue will try a plethora of players there in camp, including linebacker Jacquian Williams.
“[Rolle] is willing to do whatever he has to do — play (nickel), play back at safety. He’s known both positions, he would play both positions and play them well,’’ said Coughlin. “We’ll use different combinations, check all these young guys out, see how they fit and whoever we feel is the best person to give us the balance we want.’’
Hosley admits he played “very, very little” nickel at Virginia Tech, and felt it was harder to learn than corner. But the third-round pick is confident he can pick it up, spending two extra hours hitting the playbook on most nights.
“You have to learn before you go out there and do, so I’m trying to soak it all in,’’ said the 5-foot-10, 178-pound Hosley. “I’m like that green banana trying to stay green and keep learning before I get ripe. I don’t want to feel like I’m satisfied or complacent.’’
Hosley, who needed multiple stitches to close lacerations on his knee Monday, insists he’s running at full speed. He made a nice interception on the sideline yesterday, although he left practice early with dehydrations/cramps.
“[The harder one] would have to be the nickel,’’ Hosley said. “It’s an adjustment coming into the NFL, but being on the inside there’s a lot more things, knowing your gaps, knowing where to sit, blitzes, things like that, so you have to know a little bit more.”
“You have a little bit more tighter space inside than on an island, but you’re definitely going against the quicker — guys who can take you anywhere, spin you in circles and throw you away, so you definitely have to have that quickness and know the game, knowing your position in your defense. I think it’s an adjustment, but it’ll work out.’’