New Giant Bulluck knows his way around camp
Former Titan Keith Bullock of the Giants looks on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field. (Nov. 1, 2009) Credit: Getty Images
ALBANY - When a player suddenly is dunked into a new environment the way Keith Bulluck was Sunday, there can be plenty to get used to. Not only is there a new playbook and new teammates, but just getting around can be difficult. Knowing where the dorms and the cafeteria are can become as complicated as the coverages on the field.
But for Bulluck, there was a wisp of the familiar in his first official day as a Giant. In fact, the veteran linebacker who grew up in Rockland County and played for Syracuse said he had a little bit of deja vu. Turns out two of his closest friends from high school attended Albany.
"I would come down when I had free time at Syracuse and hang out with them," Bulluck said. "I've actually eaten in this cafeteria before and been in these dorms we're staying in, so it's kind of funny."
Bulluck seemed just as at home on the field during practice. He was running the second defensive unit Sunday afternoon, calling out plays and barking directions as if he'd spent the last decade as the centerpiece of the Giants' defense, not the Titans'.
There undoubtedly will be a transition, one Bulluck has seen take place in other players from the other side.
"In my past situations, players had to adjust to me because I was the figurehead, I was the one that was always there," he said. "So it was more about them learning the defense and whatever their learning curve was. I was the player that would help speed up the process for them just because I knew the defense inside and out. We'll see.
"I'm sure there are plenty of guys here who are excited to help me and pick up my learning curve because they want me to be on the field with them."
They probably will. But as far as directions around campus, Bulluck seems to have that down solid.
