‘Selfless’ Sam a born leader
Sam Darnold is a “selfless cat” born to lead. So says Giants offensive lineman Chad Wheeler, Darnold’s former teammate at USC. Wheeler, who lined up as the Giants’ first-string right tackle in Tuesday’s first practice of voluntary minicamp, played left tackle for the Trojans when Darnold was starting as a 19-year-old redshirt freshman in 2016. And he said Darnold showed the traits of a steady leader right away.
“I think it starts with the little things with him,” Wheeler said of Darnold. “He just kind of would be the same guy, in and out the building, bring the same attitude and approach every day no matter if it was a locker room, game practice. I think those are good qualities of someone who has to lead and take command of an offense.”
Wheeler said he was not surprised by Darnold’s decision to switch his flight from Cleveland to Los Angeles in early April so that Darnold could throw for USC running back Ronald Jones II, who was trying to impress evaluators after missing the Trojans’ pro day with a hamstring injury.
“He’s a selfless cat,” Wheeler said of Darnold. “He’ll take any opportunity to get better and to get someone else better, which is a great quality.”
Wheeler said it was great to see Darnold when the quarterback made his official visit to the Giants here last Monday.
“I saw him last week,” Wheeler said. “He came in the weight room and said what’s up. He’s a lucky guy, man. Great opportunity in front of him.”
Wheeler said, it was a good feeling to be working out with fellow USC products Damien Mama (O-line) and Rhett Ellison (tight end) and then have Darnold join them for a quick hello.
“He’s walkin’ in, it was just me, and Damien and Rhett were in there, as well,” Wheeler said. “So it was like a little family reunion.”
And who knows. Maybe, if the Browns don’t take him, Darnold will be Wheeler’s teammate soon again.
WHERE’S SNACKS?
Tackle Ereck Flowers wasn’t the only no-show. Defensive tackle Damon Harrison also wasn’t in attendance. Head coach Pat Shurmur talked to the media before Harrison’s absence was noted, so the coach will be asked about it today. Strong safety Landon Collins also wasn’t there because he is recovering from a Monday surgery to his right forearm.
HOG MOLLY ROLL CALL
Shurmur’s first-team offensive line on Tuesday was, from left: Nate Solder, Patrick Omameh, Brett Jones, Jon Halapio, Wheeler. Interestingly, this bumped John Jerry, a previous locked-in starter at guard, to second-team O-line right guard.
SHEPARD ON BAKER
WR Sterling Shepard had Baker Mayfield as his Oklahoma quarterback during Shepard’s senior Sooners season of 2015. And Shepard said Mayfield has a lot to add if he gets drafted into the New York market. Mayfield has been connected strongest to the Jets at No. 3.
“That’s a guy that loves to win,” Shepard said. “I mean, I played with him for two years, I only had him as a quarterback one year, my senior year. But he brings a lot of excitement to the game and just loves to win. That’s the bottom
line for him.”