Deayon makes big impression

When the Giants season was over, Donte Deayon was training. While his teammates vacationed, he was sweating. All for what could come Saturday when he could realize a lifelong dream to play in the NFL. “It ’s a big week,” the 5-foot-9 cornerback said after practice Monday. A year after getting cut and spending last season on the practice squad, Deayon is making a case he belongs on the 53-man roster. He’s enjoyed a strong training camp and has a pair of interceptions in three preseason games, though the one against the Browns was called back because of a penalty. In Saturday’s win over the Jets, he came up with a pick-six late in the f irst half, returning a Christian Hackenberg interception 36 yards for a touchdown.

“I felt like I didn’t do enough last year,” said the 23-year-old Deayon, who is used mostly in the slot on defense and also plays special teams. “I had that chip on my shoulder all offseason. I knew I was going to get another shot. Now I’m trying to make the most of it.”

Absences could help him. Cornerback Michael Hunter is still in the concussion protocol and Valentino Blake left the team to deal with a personal matter, and is on the exempt list. He could face competition in recently signed corners Daniel Gray and Tay Glover-Wright. When asked about Deayon’s chances, Giants coach Ben McAdoo was complimentary of him.

“Donte plays with a lot of energy, he’s a productive player in the slot and he’ll have another golden opportunity on Thursday night,” McAdoo said.

Which is why Deayon is trying not to think too much about Saturday, when the final cuts are decided.