Eli Apple at his locker a few days before the Giants season opener against Dallas. Photo by Al Thompson

EAST RUTHERFORD: Eli Apple ran into a few bumps in the road during his first NFL training camp and preseason.

The former Eastern High School standout cornerback was selected by the New York Giants with the No. 10 overall pick and had his sights on a starting spot. According to Nfl.com the Giants finished dead last in total defense last year. Picking a defensive player with their high draft pick was obviously a move to get out of the basement.

Things were going well for the former Ohio State star until Apple suffered a leg strain in the Giants’ preseason opener against the Dolphins, and then missed Big Blue’s second preseason game against the Bills.

He played against the Jets in the third preseason game but the injury seemed to hold Apple back some and the rookie is now listed behind starting left cornerback and former Eagle Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Janoris Jenkins is listed as starting right corner back.

Apple knows he will get plenty of playing time regardless and said he is just focusing on what he can control.

“I want to get out there and settle my emotions,” Apple said in a one-on-one talk at his locker as the Giants prepared for their season opener against the Cowboys in Dallas. “I want to execute, play well, play fast and just play loose.”

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talked about Apple’s progress as the start of the regular season approached.

“I think that he is another young guy that has developed really well for us, and quicker then maybe we expected,” Spagnuolo said. “I know always when you are drafted in the first round the expectations are way up here, and sometimes I think they are unfair but when he stepped in for that first day it was pretty evident he could handle what comes with that. We have to get into the game and he has some good receivers that he has to go against but I like the way he is developing right now.”

Having been born in Philadelphia and raised by his mother Annie Apple and stepfather Tim Apple in Voorhees, New Jersey, Eli is very familiar with the intensity of the NFC East.

Eli Apple was asked if it was a bit surreal to start his career against the Cowboys.

“A little bit,” Apple admitted. “You have dreams like this, playing in The League against great players. Any opportunity you have to do that is a blessing.”

Many NFL rookies have admitted it took a little while to shed their loyalty to the team they grew up following and cheering for, not Apple.

“I’m a Giant,” Apple said straight-faced. “I am focused on winning as many games as we can and winning that Super Bowl.”

Apple went to say even though he grew up in the heart of Eagles Nation, he says he attended Eagles games live and with friends more to have fun and for the love of watching NFL football, not necessarily the Birds.

“I never had a real allegiance, it was more of a friends and family type of thing,” Apple said. “I was always neutral when it came to teams. I was always rooting whoever…I was always more of a NFL fan.”

Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said he was been watching Apple all preseason. Obviously he wants players in the secondary who can take advantage of opportunities created by the Giants front seven. Pierre-Paul was asked if Apple was ready to help Big Blue right away.

“We’ll see Sunday,” said Pierre-Paul, referring the opener in Dallas. “It’s hard to come in as a rookie and prove to everybody you belong. But I am pretty sure he’s comfortable. And he’s going to do what he’s got to do. I like what I’ve seen so far.”

Apple was asked if he thinks teams like Dallas with a great receiver like Dez Bryant will target him because he is a rookie and a first round pick.

“It is a lot of things that factor into it,” Apple said. “I would say because I am a rookie, they want to see if I am a guy who can actually hold his end. They are definitely going to test me and that is how it is going to go this year.”

Apple was asked about facing Bryant in his NFL debut.

“It’s a great matchup, he’s a great player,” Apple said. “I’m excited about that. I like going against great players and he is probably one of the best in the league.”

One of the reasons the Giant picked Apple was to fix a leaking defense and try to make another Super Bowl run while the other Eli was still at the top of his game.

The Giants have talent on offense but in order to get off to a strong start, new players like Apple have to step in right away and stop up. Apple said he understands that.

“We need a fast start, build some momentum it’s a long season,” Apple said. “We want to build that momentum and keep it going.”

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii