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New York Giants: Justin Pugh Adds Mass for Move to Guard

By Maurice Moton

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh bulked up to 320 pounds in preparation for a rigorous season playing on the interior.

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants tackle Justin Pugh (67) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants tackle Justin Pugh (67) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

With all the attention on the right side of the New York Giants offensive line, Justin Pugh has been putting on pounds to accommodate his full-time move to left guard.

According to NJ.com reporter Jordan Raanan, Pugh plans to play guard in the upcoming season. After playing two years at right tackle, he started 12 games as an interior lineman during the previous season.

Related Story: New York Giants: Bobby Hart A Sleeper For Offensive Line

Pugh, along with center Weston Richburg, provided one of few bright spots along the Giants offensive line that’s under heavy criticism at the moment.

In efforts to improve the offensive line play, the Giants hired Mike Solari develop the talent in the trenches. He brings approximately 40 years of experience to the coaching staff between collegiate and professional organizations.

Pugh praised his new offensive line coach, per Raanan.

“Coach [Mike] Solari is a hell of a coach. I’m learning a lot from him. So I’m excited about that.”

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Pugh’s transition makes perfect sense with the talent on the roster.

The Giants hope to see their 2015 first-round pick, Ereck Flowers, significantly improve on quarterback Eli Manning‘s blind side. Compared to Pugh’s 320-pound weigh in, fellow offensive lineman Bobby Hart‘s weight has gone in the opposite direction. He’s lost 25 pounds, dropping to 315, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

In fact, the Giants could see an intense training camp battle between Marshall Newhouse and Hart for the starting right tackle position.

As for Pugh, he’s rigorously preparing for the full transition from tackle to guard. An interior lineman endures more brute force and less finesse compared to perimeter protectors. In addition to gaining weight, he continued to engage in MMA training in consecutive offseasons.

Pugh spoke on the team’s goal to clinch a playoff berth, but he also set a personal goal in his fourth year:

“Obviously, the goal this year for the team is playoffs,” said Pugh, who hasn’t made the playoffs in any of his three professional seasons. “For me personally, it’s Pro Bowl. But that comes with the team accolades.”

More ny sports: New York Giants: Justin Pugh Defends Offensive Line

The Giants have already exercised the fifth-year option on Pugh’s rookie deal. If he continues to excel at left guard, the team could lock him up as a solid interior offensive lineman in the near future.

Among the starting five offensive linemen, Pugh has the longest tenure with the team. The third-year Giant will head into the season with a leading voice, which he used to defend his fellow offensive linemen, per NJ.com reporter James Kratch. It’s also important that he lead with his play in the trenches for the upcoming season.

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