Dandy Travis
Receiver Randolph impressing Giants
It is never a bad thing when your quarterback singles you out for something positive. That is what Geno Smith did this week when asked if he has been impressed with any particular Giants receiver he’s worked with this summer.
“Travis Rudolph is a guy who you can count on to be in the right spot,’’ Smith said. “He understands how to play the game.’’
This has to be sweet music to Rudolph’s ears, a pleasant tune he hopes resonates with coach Ben McAdoo. Undrafted out of Florida State, Rudolph sits squarely on the fringe of a roster spot, hoping to stick as a fifth receiver and a capable special teams performer, where, among other assignments, he is getting reps as a punt returner, something he did not do in college.
“Basically, special teams, they put you [in] a spot they feel you’re comfortable at and I’m comfortable at punt returns, so that’s what I’m doing,’’ Rudolph said.
Rudolph was the leading receiver for the Seminoles last season, with 56 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.
He gained social media acclaim when a picture of him sitting and eating lunch with an autistic youngster at a Florida middle school went viral. The boy’s mother gushed about Rudolph’s act of kindness, calling him a hero. Rudolph tends to downplay the hubbub, and around the Giants he is quiet and serious. He has made several plays in the passing game this summer.
“I think he is a young player that has had some ups and some downs, but he keeps on coming back every day willing and we are excited to watch him play,’’ McAdoo said.
There’s a logjam at the back end of the wide receiver depth chart. Tavarres King appears safe, but he has been banged up this summer and does not do much on special teams. There are one and possibly two spots open and a whole lot of competition among Roger Lewis, Darius Powe, Rudolph and perhaps Kevin Norwood. Figure these young receivers all will get significant playing time in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Steelers.