The thought: Get in contact with Wealthy Seubert to ask him if he's aware of Shane Lemieux, at present lining up because the Giants’ beginning left guard.
Seubert was the beginning left guard on the Giants’ 2007 Tremendous Bowl workforce, famend for his toughness and do-anything-to-get-it-done zeal on the sector. It appears as if Lemieux has a few of these similar qualities.
So, the decision goes out, Seubert responds and is informed there's something about this younger offensive lineman that reminds this inside observer of him.
The response is fast.
“Did he begin a battle in apply but?’’ Seubert asks.
Properly, as a matter of truth, sure. Lemieux was the instigator of the primary scuffle of coaching camp this summer season, mixing it up on Day 4 with defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams.
“See, there you go,’’ Seubert mentioned, approvingly.
Altercations with teammates amid the warmth of camp have been Seubert’s speciality. He was undrafted out of small-school Western Illinois, but backed down from nobody, ever, be it Keith Hamilton — known as “Hammer’’ for a motive — or established sack-artist Michael Strahan.
Fisticuffs, although, didn't preserve Seubert with the Giants for 10 years. He began each sport in 2002, his second season, however a horrific damage mangled his proper leg. That almost ended his profession, pressured him to overlook the complete 2004 season and relegated him to 4 video games of backup responsibility in 2005. Seubert by no means stopped pushing ahead and regained his beginning job for the 2007 championship workforce. In 2010, he began each sport at middle and former normal supervisor Jerry Reese known as him the MVP of the workforce. In his closing sport that season, he suffered one other severe damage — a dislocated proper kneecap and torn patellar tendon — and by no means performed one other sport.
“That’s the very first thing I heard once I acquired right here, he was the epitome of toughness,’’ Lemieux informed The Publish, referring to Seubert. “And when you’re seeing that in me, that’s honor for me, as a result of he’s a hard-nosed man, from every little thing I’ve heard.’’
The 2 have spoken and texted, however not typically. In contrast to Seubert, Lemieux was drafted, going within the fifth spherical in 2020 out of Oregon. The Joe Choose-led teaching employees turned enamored with Lemieux as a run-blocking presence and he began 9 video games as a rookie. At instances he was certainly a punisher within the floor sport, however his cross safety was tough across the edges.
Like Seubert, Lemieux encountered adversity early in his profession. He began the 2021 season opener regardless of coping with discomfort in his left knee. He realized he couldn't proceed and spent the remainder of his Yr 2 on injured reserve after surgical procedure to restore his patellar tendon.
The brand new entrance workplace used a 2022 third-round decide on guard Josh Ezeudu out of North Carolina, however to this point Lemieux has largely lined up with the primary workforce. Coping with Lawrence and star-of-camp Williams has been a problem that at instances has not gone nicely. As a result of Jon Feliciano has missed time coping with heat-related points, Lemieux has additionally taken reps with the starters at middle — one other attainable looming similarity with Seubert.
“I believe each single coach I’ve ever been with has informed me middle might be gonna be in my future,’’ Lemieux mentioned. “They are saying I've loads of traits which are good for a middle. Versatility is the secret. You have a look at [former Giants offensive lineman] David Diehl, he performed all over the place, besides middle. Richie performed each.’’
Lemieux, 25, could be a part of a constructing offensive line. There are the younger bookend tackles, Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal. Mark Glowinski, 30, was signed to start out at proper guard. Feliciano, 30, solely has a one-year deal. If he develops and stays wholesome, Lemieux could possibly be a fixture at guard or middle.
“Ever since I went to Oregon, I used to be a 3 star, two star [recruit], I’ve at all times needed to work,’’ Lemieux mentioned. “I by no means had that in my thoughts that ‘Hey, I made it, I’m the starter, I don’t have any worries.’ Everybody at all times says ‘Be assured’ however you’re at all times trying again. I really feel every little thing I’ve had in my profession I’ve needed to battle tooth and nail for it. That’s simply form of in my DNA.’’
Brian Daboll, the first-year head coach and former offensive coordinator in Buffalo, mentioned the Payments appreciated Lemieux popping out of the draft two years in the past and compliments him for enjoying with “a nasty edge.’’
Seubert, now 43 and the pinnacle soccer coach at Watchung Hills Regional Excessive College in Warren, N.J., would possibly as nicely have had “nasty edge’’ tattooed on his arms.
“If he reminds you of me he should have some battle in his ass, proper?’’ Seubert mentioned. “He won't be one of the best athletic particular person on that subject however he’s acquired the grit to make up for it. If you watch him play he likes to get after it. He’s acquired a bit of little bit of that good anger in him.’’
Good anger saved Seubert in blue for a decade. Lemieux is combating for his shot.
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