Full Breakdown
Giants Wrap Up West Virginia Training Camp with Goal-Line Drive
8/9/2026, 3:02:47 AM
Final Practice Highlights
The New York Giants completed their 10th and final West Virginia practice on Saturday at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. The session featured a series of red-zone drills that produced multiple scoring plays. Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with wide receiver Darius Slayton for a touchdown after a late-game drive that the coaching staff initially planned to end. Earlier in the period Dart threw a touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, and Jameis Winston hit Jalin Hyatt on a fade for another score. Rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields caught two touchdowns—one from Dart and another on a 1-on-1 drill—while veteran Odell Beckham Jr. also recorded a touchdown reception. On defense, Deonte Banks intercepted a pass in the end zone, and Zaire Barnes broke up a goal-line pass. The defensive line logged a sack by veteran Shelby Harris and a sack by Darius Alexander. The final series ended with a goal-line stand by Khalid Kareem followed by a two-play offensive push that saw Damon Bankston punch the ball into the end zone.
Rookie Linebacker Arvell Reese Stands Out
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese, the Giants’ fifth-overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, drew significant attention during the camp’s fully padded practice on Friday, August 7, 2026. Reese delivered back-to-back hits on running back Cam Skattebo, first forcing a run fit and then tackling the ball carrier from the backside, actions that “impressed those present” according to the team’s coverage. Coaches highlighted Reese’s football IQ and speed, noting that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson sees him as a potential immediate impact player and a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Coach John Harbaugh’s Assessment
He emphasized the relentless competition in the league and the need for daily focus. Harbaugh also reflected on the late-drive decision, noting that allowing the offense one more play “paid off” with the Slayton touchdown and illustrated the team’s new mentality of finishing drives rather than ending practice early.
Official Statements & Responses
Harbaugh’s comments on the practice’s intensity and the team’s mindset were echoed by rookie offensive lineman Sisi Mauigoa, who said the players “wanted it” when the coaching staff considered ending the drive early. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, while not quoted directly, was referenced as confident in the front seven’s talent, citing Reese’s performance as evidence of the unit’s depth.
Data & Statistics
- Touchdown passes: Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, Damon Bankston
- Receiving touchdowns: Darius Slayton, Malachi Fields, Odell Beckham Jr. (1)
- Interceptions: Deonte Banks
- Pass breakups: Isaiah Likely, Paulson Adebo, Colton Hood
- Sacks: Shelby Harris, Darius Alexander
- Goal-line defensive stops: Khalid Kareem (1 sack), Zaire Barnes (pass breakup)
What’s Next
After an off-day on Sunday, the Giants will resume training camp on Monday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, shifting focus to preparation for the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That last drive, that long drive period we did at the end, they executed a lot of plays there,” — John Harbaugh, coach
