football

New York Giants rookie Francis Mauigoa 'can't wait to move people'

โ€ขYahoo Sports

New York Giants rookie guard Francis Mauigoa has hit it off with Jermaine Eluemunor and says they "can't wait to move people."

First-round offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa quickly connected with the New York Giants ' veterans upon arrival last week. During physicals at team facilities ahead of rookie minicamp, he met starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and felt an instant bond. โ€œHeโ€™s a cool guy.

Weโ€™re excited about each other. Canโ€™t wait to move people,โ€ Mauigoa told reporters. The Samoan-born lineman is transitioning from right tackle at the University of Miami to guard in the NFL.

He practiced at guard and center throughout college in addition to his starting role, giving him valuable positional versatility. Mauigoa has also leaned on advice from NFL veterans, including his brother Francisco "Kiko" Mauigoa (New York Jets), former Miami teammate Jalen Rivers (Cincinnati Bengals), and offseason work with Jon Feliciano. He noted that the main adjustments inside are the reduced space and faster pace, but he views them as something he will adapt to quickly.

The rookie praised head coach John Harbaugh as an โ€œold schoolโ€ coach who demands hard work while keeping things professional and safe. With a humble, hard-working attitude and early chemistry with veterans like Eluemunor, Mauigoa is poised to contribute right away as the Giants aim to build a physical -- "bully" -- offensive line. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants rookie Francis Mauigoa 'can't wait to move people'