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Jordan Raanan, ESPN writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — All the hype surrounding quarterback Tommy DeVito last year made him an instant sensation. Now, his second time as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, he’s trying to keep him relatively soft.
The local product and undrafted free agent out of Illinois will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
“Last year was a good story and everything, how it happened,” DeVito said. “All the fun and games outside, it was fun. That was last year. Now I’m sticking with football. Not that I wasn’t before.
“Outside things will be on pause. I’ve already had conversations with everyone around me, my inner circle. I want to keep everything very close and make sure it’s all about production on Sunday.”
DeVito was named a surprise starter after the Giants benched Daniel Jones earlier this week. Previously the No. 3 quarterback, he passed backup Drew Lock on the depth chart for another chance.
DeVito-mania became popular late last year after the New Jersey native became a starter and won three straight games. With his Italian heritage, finger-tight celebration and local roots, he became an instant sensation and the legend of “Tommy Cutlets” was born.
Fans welcomed the fleeting success before he returned to the bench in favor of Tyrod Taylor. DeVito had lines around the corner at appearances and quickly became a favorite as he capitalized on his popularity. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for fans at this year’s training camp to shout his name in hopes of getting his attention. The third-string quarterback was often more popular than the starter.
DeVito, 26, waited patiently as the third quarterback. With another year under his belt and having moved out of his parents’ house, he is doing his best to avoid all the memes and hype, as he knows there are more important matters to handle on the field.
“I think my mom sends me a couple here and there, but I really stay away from social media and anything outside,” DeVito said. “I try to improve myself in football.”
DeVito had eight touchdown passes and three interceptions as the Giants went 3-3 in his six starts last season. He never really had a chance to compete for the backup job after Lock signed a one-year, $5 million fully guaranteed contract this offseason.
It made this week’s jump directly to DeVito unusual.
“I wouldn’t say surprised,” DeVito said. “I was open to all outcomes. It was something I had been trying since last year. You’re always ready. You never know.”
Coach Brian Daboll turned to DeVito for a spark. The energy he brought to the team last season is something the Giants (2-8) are trying to rekindle.
“He’s still learning the ropes… He’s got good leadership. I think he’s been in the system for a year and he understands things even more,” Daboll said. “He’s done a good job since he got here, actually since we had him last year, and we’ll work as hard as we can with him to get him ready to play.”
DeVito took all of the first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice. Lock managed the scout team and Jones didn’t seem to do much. That appears to be the plan going forward with a $23 million injury guarantee hanging over the Giants’ heads.
Jones, who was fourth in line during individual drills behind recently signed Tim Boyle, spent most of the early part of practice with his arms inside the hand warmer around his waist.
“It’s interesting. It’s weird because it’s never what you’ve seen,” Lock said of Jones’ minimal participation in practice. “Once again, he’s upset. He’s taking it as well as anyone in that position would.”
Lock said he found the way the situation unfolded difficult to stomach and that he is upset and disappointed by the decision. He signed to be the Giants’ second quarterback, so he naturally figured he would be next in line if the Giants moved on from Jones.
“My disappointment won’t show one bit with anyone in this facility or after that meeting upstairs,” said Lock, who had a one-on-one meeting with Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on Monday. “I made this point there. My job is to come compete, go ahead and be the guy. I said I’m going to handle this like a professional. I’m going to be professional. It’s something I take pride in. I’m not going to be a guy who tears up the locker room”.
