Danny Ware was signed off the NY Jets practice squad on December 4, 2007. Described as a "Good solid running back … a promising guy," by running backs coach Jerald Ingram, Ware, who spent most of 2007 on the Giants' inactive list (he was active for Week 17 against New England), was reportedly requested by the Atlanta Falcons this past off-season when the Giants were in discussions concerning a trade for CB DeAngelo Hall.
Ware currently is biding his time with the Giants, participating on special teams. But it would appear that the Giants aren’t willing to part with this talented running back the same way they did when they traded away Ryan Grant.
Q: You came on board somewhere around the final quarter of the season but unfortunately you didn't see the field. How tough was that considering what was going on with the playoff run?
A; Terrible. I'm happy to be here, but it was so frustrating because I felt like I could go in and contribute. But at the same time there were still a lot of things I didn't know how to do, and if I got out there in some situations, I probably would have messed up. So while I understand that I wasn't ready to go in there, I'm very anxious to get my opportunity and show the coaches what I can do.
Q: There were rumors in the off-season that Atlanta wanted you as part of a trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall and of course the Giants declined. How does that make you feel considering you're still pretty much unproven in this league?
A: It's always good to be wanted. And I plan to go out there and justify their decision to keep me. I am going to work hard and become the best back I can be, and contribute on special teams. Hopefully I'll be around for many years.
Q: For those not familiar with your running style, what do you offer?
A: I'd say I'm more of a downhill runner most of the time. I have a little bit of speed around the corner, but I'm really best when I go in between the tackles, though I'll do a little bit of slashing here and there to make guys miss.
Q: You look at the overall rushing game last year and it just seems that no matter who goes in there, he has success. Why do you think that is?
A: It starts up front with the O-line. They have a killer mentality and want to lead the league in rushing every year. They just go out there and get the job done. Without them, it wouldn't be possible at all. And as a running back, you definitely appreciate it when you have five guys in front of you who will throw themselves around to create holes for you to get through.
Q: It's widely believed that the biggest challenge for a young back is to master blitz pickups. How has that been coming for you?
A: I feel pretty comfortable picking up the blitz. It's pretty much kind of the same as it in college. Once you learn it, you get it. It's one of those things where you have to be thrown into the fire and see what happens and hopefully you know it well enough to not mess up.
Q: What kind of group dynamics do you have in your meeting rooms as far as the collection of talent and experience goes and how have you benefitted from that so far?
A: Everyone talks to each other a lot, and we kid around a lot. But when we get onto the field, it's time for business and we do what we can to teach each other the finer parts of our craft.
The older guys like Brandon (Jacobs) and Reuben (Droughns) are always helping out young guys like me and Ahmad (Bradshaw), and sometimes they even mess up so they have to coach themselves. It's one big family in the running backs room and we look out for each other and try to make sure everyone knows what to do at the right time.
Q: When you look at yourself on tape this year to last, what are some of the more noticeable differences you see?
A: I think I'm a lot more patient. I'm starting to learn the schemes better so I know tracks and where to hit the hole. I'm also working on picking up my routes better. We hadn't had very many blitzes before the spring, so I did get a chance to see how I progressed in that area. I feel I'm going forward and I'm trying to keep it going that way.
Q: Other than injury, what do you think will get you some touches this year?
A: It's definitely got to be the protection. You have to know that backwards and forwards. You don't want to be out there and let your quarterback be hit as that's the easiest way to earn a ticket out of here, so I'm going to make sure I know that in my sleep.
Q: What's the one thing you want Giants fans to know about you?
A: I'm a gamer. If I mess up a couple of times in practice, I don't let it get to me because when it's time for the game, I'll make sure I have tit right so that when people see me make a play, they'll ask themselves 'Where did he come from?' I give 110% in practice, but in a game, I seem to have a lot more adrenaline flowing and better instincts, so it's like another player that’s ten times better than what you see in practice.
This article was initially written prior to training camp.
