Darkwa set to run with bigger role
Orleans Darkwa smiled at the suggestion of starting for the Giants on “Monday Night Football.”
From the time he went undrafted out of Tulane, this was his mission, to be a key contributor for an offense, to be the guy in the backfield getting the reps during the week of practice and the handoffs and the receptions on game days. The fact all 32 teams passed on him in the 2014 draft only fueled his fire. “That’s my goal. That’s what I work for,” the frequently smiling Darkwa said Wednesday. “I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder, just [from being] overlooked. I kind of represent a lot of those [undrafted] guys. Even if sometimes you feel like you performed well, you might not get that opportunity because of that label.
“It’s instilled in undrafted guys to work hard.” Darkwa isn’t sure exactly what his role will be Monday night, which makes perfect sense. His career has been full of waiting, so what’s a few more days? But with Shane Vereen (triceps surgery) placed on injured reserve, Darkwa’s role undoubtedly will increase. Veteran Rashad Jennings could return after missing Sunday’s loss to the Redskins with a thumb injury, and Bobby Rainey and rookie Paul Perkins also are options for the Giants.
But the 24-year-old Darkwa was the guy on Sunday when Vereen got hurt, running for a career-high 52 yards on a career-high 11 carries and the third touchdown of his four-year NFL career. Teammates have raved about the 6-foot, 215-pounder’s tough running, his refusal to go down on first contact, the determination he has with the ball in his hands.
“He is big and he is fast,” defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison said. “You wouldn’t expect him to be as fast and as quick as he is with his size, and he also has some good vision.”
A lightly recruited three-star prospect out of Tennessee, Darkwa enjoyed a solid career at Tulane, running for 2,953 yards on 4.4 yards per carry and 39 touchdowns.
The Dolphins signed him after he went undrafted, but following four games, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad. He joined the Giants the following November, and has remained with the organization, appearing in all 16 games last year.
“Everybody looked past me or overlooked me at some point in my life,” he said. “I’ve always had that, to try to prove people wrong. Growing up, honestly being African, I was the butt of jokes. It pushed me and motivated me. Maybe it’s the Darkwa trait: It’s in our family to compete.”
He never had double-digit carries in a game until last Sunday, when he produced 4.7 yards per carry. He’s eager to prove to the Giants he’s capable of carrying the load, of being a featured back, catching passes out of the backfield and picking up the blitz.
“I feel I can do it all,” he said. “And so, going into this game, whatever they asked of me, whatever is in the game plan, I want to make sure I’m ready for that.”
Repeatedly, Darkwa said he will prepare the same for Monday as he always has, as if he’s the starter. However, he acknowledged this game will be different, given a significant role against the Vikings’ fierce defense on national television. After all, he’s been waiting years for the opportunity that awaits him.
“I’m going to make sure I’m ready for it,” Darkwa said. “Just go out there and act like you’ve been there before. That’s my motto.”