JPP grades himself a C+

Demonstrating a shed block drill for a group of kids on Friday, Chris Canty played the blocker and Jason Pierre-Paul, in a familiar role, was the menacing defensive lineman. At the whistle, Pierre-Paul engaged Canty, easily chucked the 320-pounder to the right, charged in and pummeled the tackling dummy.

“I don’t feel too bad,” Canty, wearing a sheepish grin after regaining his balance, said to the children. “He does that all the time to offensive linemen.”

Often enough to have finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Pierre-Paul, in his second year, had 86 tackles, 16 ½ sacks, seven pass deflections and, of course, a blocked kick in Week 14 against the Cowboys that perhaps saved the Giants’ season. His performance elicited a comparison to Reggie White, courtesy of Canty, earlier this week.

So, how would Pierre-Paul grade his 2011 season?

“I’d give myself a C-plus,” the defensive end said.

Huh?

“That’s how much I think I can improve."

There is something to be said for modesty and setting the bar high, but children, I’m sure, are thankful this football thing worked out and Pierre-Paul didn’t go into teaching.

Now, keep in mind the 23-year-old was selected for the Pro Bowl, named All-Pro and recently voted the 24th best player in the NFL by his peers. So what would it take to get an A?

“I’d have to get 20-something sacks and over 100 tackles,” Pierre-Paul said. “There were times [last season] when I was slacking and not going as hard as possible, when I probably could’ve gotten more tackles and made more plays.”

Of his teammate comparing him favorably to arguably the greatest defensive end of all time… “I think it’s very cool and awesome. But I’m trying to get better. I need to improve on everything.”

Pierre-Paul and Canty were among a group of NFL players conducting Day 2 of a football clinic at George Washington High School in Washington Heights.

Pierre-Paul is still a relative fledgling when it comes to football. He didn’t begin playing until his junior year of high school, nor did he grow up watching the sport. Add to it, he spent his first two years out of high school at junior colleges and only played one season of major college football at South Florida. The Giants chose him in the first round of the 2010 draft despite the inexperience and lack of polish, banking that his freakish athleticism would eventually translate into production.

It has, but in Pierre-Paul’s estimation, at least, he has a long way to go.

“It says that he’s motivated to get better,” Canty said. “The sky’s the limit for him, but he understands you have to work to achieve that potential. He’s starting to understand the game of football more and more with each game and practice.”

Pierre-Paul said he hasn’t gone on vacation this offseason, but spent his time in Florida training and reviewing game film. His workout, he said, includes running for an hour up and down a 30-foot hill in Miramar, Fl.

“He’s got it all – the talent, discipline and work ethic,” Canty said. “He’s everything you want a defensive lineman to be. He’s his biggest critic, so my grade for him is a little higher than his own. I equated him to one of the greatest linemen to ever play the game.”

If you’re wondering, Pierre-Paul, known for not knowing much football history, does know who Reggie White was. “I never watched him at all, but he’s one of the great defensive players of all-time,” he said. “He was like 300 pounds and was unbelievable at defensive end.”