Ex-Trojan Aaron Emanuel Suffers NFL Rookie Jitters

From where he stands now, Aaron Emanuel is going to have trouble making the New York Giants’ roster as a running back.

The sidelines have that effect on rookies, and Emanuel is uncertain when he will get back on the field. The seventh-round draft pick from Southern Cal missed his second practice in a row earlier this week because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

Two weeks ago, he looked sure to beat the odds and make the Giants after gaining 64 yards on seven carries in the preseason opener against Buffalo.

What most people didn’t realize then was that Emanuel had injured the shoulder before the Bills game. The injury has progressively worsened since then.

“It’s kind of tough,” Emanuel said. “It’s frustrating. I guess it could not have come at a worse time. We’re in the thick of things. Coach (Bill) Parcells calls this a ‘push’ week. You’re trying to get over the hill, and it’s hard for me. I’m on one side, and the other guys are reaching the hill.”

Emanuel, once one of the most highly sought high school football players in the country, is trying to make the adjustment from tailback to fullback. He faces tough competition from incumbent Maurice Carthon and veteran Lee Rouson.

There are few doubts about Emanuel’s running ability. His blocking is what must improve.

“I just don’t know,” Emanuel said of his chances of making the team. “It’s hard to get a feel on what Coach Parcells is thinking. He makes you compete and keeps you on your toes every day. You go to bed thinking about the things you did wrong on the field.”