CB Eli Apple has looked very good throughout OTA’s Mini-camp and Training camp. Photo by Andy Lewis / contrastphotography.com

During the 2017 season South Jersey native Eli Apple looked lost. The talented cornerback out of Eastern High School (NJ) and Ohio State seemed to lose his confidence as well as the confidence of his teammates.

Apple began the 2017 season as the starting outside cornerback, along with Janoris Jenkins, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as the starting slot cornerback. Despite all the losses at the beginning of the season, he was playing well. He started the Giant’s season-opening 19-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys but made seven combined tackles and a pass deflection.

On October 15, 2017, Apple recorded five solo tackles and a career-high three pass deflections in the Giants first win of the season against the Denver Broncos.

But in late December reports surfaced that he had worn out his welcome with many teammates. Then head coach Ben MCAdoo’s lack of expertise in dealing with pro players did not help.

Teammate Landon Collins, a Pro Bowl safety was asked about Apple and his disconnect with the ream, Collins said that Apple just “has to grow up.” On December 27, Apple was suspended by the team for the 2017 season finale after reportedly getting into an argument with coaching staff about being on the scout team and for a “pattern of behavior that is conduct detrimental to the team”

When new head coach Pat Shurmur declared all players being brought back from Big Blue’s forgettable 3-13 campaign were starting off 2018 with a “clean slate,” He made sure Apple knew that included him.

So far this season, the third year defensive back has been a shining light at OTA’s Mini-camp and now through the start of training camp. The coach has noticed and has not been shy in letting people know he is pleased.

Apple was told of Shurmur’s comments about his performance on the practice field, about his conduct in the film room, study habits etc. Apple was asked how important that is to him that he’s made that good an impression on Shurmur.

“It’s definitely important for me,” said Apple, who had 49 combined tackles in 11 games last year. “That was a first impression type of thing, I just wanted to show that I’m a hard worker and just continue to show that even now, because as we continue to go on with these practices, it’s about just staying on top of that and trying to get better every day.

Apple was asked if there is anything that feels different this year.

“I wouldn’t say anything necessarily feels completely different,” said Apple, who had eight defended passes in 2017. “I mean, it’s a lot of new faces, especially with the coaches, of course, that’s obvious. But, I feel like the energy is a little bit different, everybody’s just anxious and ready to go out there and just get better every day on the field.”

Shurmur talked about what he’s seen so far in Apple.

“With my eyes, just a few months into this, I’m seeing a guy that’s all about his business,” Shurmur said after a recent training cam practice. “He is very business-like and he is covering really well, which is a good attribute for a corner. I like the way he is working. He’s out there challenging but he is also being smart. Based on what I have seen, there are very few mistakes that he is making when we move the coverage around and I like the way he is functioning in the building. He’s very attentive in meetings. In my mind, based on what I’ve seen, he’s acting like a pro.”

Apple was asked about Shurmur’s comments that he’s been practicing like a pro. What does that mean to him?

“Just going about your business every day and just keeping everything all business,” Apple said. “And asking a lot of questions, and trying to learn.

Apple talked about growing up and maturing.

“I think every day I’m kind of getting older, growing up a little bit, and my birthday is actually August 9. I turn 23, so naturally I think I’m getting older, getting a little bit more mature,” He said. “I’m just trying to continue to just learn – that’s the main thing, learning and getting better.”