Playing on the Giants practice squad last season, Marcus Harris said some coaches didn’t even know his name.
Now, in the midst of a stellar training camp, which included leading the Giants with four receptions for 49 yards in their first preseason game, the wide receiver has certain coaches calling him by his nickname — “Soup” — which he was excited to also hear fans chant at Wednesday’s practice, for the first time.
As a player who went undrafted and hasn’t cemented a spot on the 53-man roster, Harris is a model of modesty, reluctantly revealing, after some pressing, that the nickname is short for “superstar,” which was given to him by former high school teammate/current Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
Embarrassed, Harris didn’t want such a bold name. He just wants to be one of 53. And he believes his strong camp has given him a “big boost” to make the final roster.
“I don’t know what to say because you dream about things like this and right now I feel like it’s at my feet,” Harris said before Thursday evening’s practice. “I just got to keep doing what I’m doing, if not better.”
While Odell Beckham Jr., Trindon Holliday and Jerrel Jernigan have all missed practice time, Harris played with the first-unit Wednesday and could start Saturday’s preseason game against Pittsburgh.
Coach Tom Coughlin, who has been frustrated by Beckham’s inability to play due to a hamstring injury, was impressed with Harris’ ability to stay on the field Wednesday, despite going down after an awkward fall.
“He has gotten better enough to be recognized,” Coughlin said. “He is a tough kid. He has some nicks, but he is out there every day. He works hard at it, he can go on special teams, he caught the ball well [Wednesday] and he is usually in the right spot.”
Beckham, this season’s first-round pick, will not play on Saturday, but could be able to return the following week at Indianapolis.
“It should be sooner, I am definitely getting closer,” Beckham said. “I don’t know a time period exactly. It’s almost that time … around the corner.
“I can definitely plant, I can do all that. I don’t feel like I can reach top, top speed. Just kind of holding off, trying to get some more strength, then we will be ready to go.”
Rookie DT Kelcy Quarles, who was carted out of Wednesday’s practice, has a sprained ankle and will not play on Saturday. CB Trumaine McBride (hip) will also sit, along with OT Will Beatty (leg), who will return the following week. … Coughlin said TE Kellen Davis will see more playing time against Pittsburgh.
Defense coordinator Perry Fewell said he was impressed with the way Prince Amukamara responded to being targeted in the first preseason game. With the fourth-year cornerback playing across from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Fewell anticipates more games where teams employ a similar strategy and isn’t concerned.
“Prince has improved so much,” said Fewell. “I remember his first play as a rookie … he went up and snatched one out of the air. I was like, ‘Woah.’ We thought it was the second coming. He is coming, he’s not the second coming yet.”