An unraveling New York Giants 2023 season took a new turn on Sunday in Week 8, pivoting to a new quarterback.
Already missing starter Daniel Jones (neck), veteran backup Tyrod Taylor ended up leaving during the battle of New York vs. the Jets with what was ruled a rib injury. And after leaving during the first half, fans began wondering who Tommy DeVito was.
Tommy DeVito Happens To Be New York Area Star QB
For DeVito, his appearance at MetLife Stadium was in his home state.
DeVito, 25, is a native of New Jersey who grew up in Livingston. His home city is located 29 miles west of MetLife Stadium.
Years before playing in the stadium he grew up near, DeVito was a four-star quarterback prospect by 247Sports and the state of New Jersey’s No. 7 ranked recruit. And he starred at traditional New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep.
While at Don Bosco, he delivered 3,393 passing yards in his three-year varsity career with 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
How Did DeVito Fare in College?
DeVito ended up heading to college close to home by choosing Syracuse in the 2017 class.
DeVito played sparingly in his freshman season of 2018 for a total of seven games. He ended up throwing for 525 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions.
MORE: New York Giants Depth Chart
The following year, he went on to play in 12 games for the Orange. That ended up being his best campaign, as he finished the year with 2,360 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five picks.
However, for the next two seasons, including the truncated COVID-19 year, Devito played in a combined seven games and saw his touchdown numbers dip to five with four interceptions.
He then transferred to Illinois to play for Bret Bielema. He only played one season for the Fighting Illini in 2022 and guided them to an 8-5 mark. While in Champaign, he posted the most single-season yards (2,650) in his career.
Pre-draft, Devito was described by PFN’s Ian Valentino as a QB who was a “smart passer who doesn’t put the ball in dangerous spots.” However, he often delivered a wobble to his passes.
DeVito, though, ended up going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Giants were the first team he signed with on April 29. The franchise waived him as part of the moves to solidify their 53-man roster. He was ultimately brought back to the practice squad.
How Did DeVito Move to the Active Roster Before the Jets Game?
Taylor left favoring his right side before being officially ruled out with the midsection ailment.
But before Taylor went down, DeVito managed to move up on the Giants’ roster.
Three weeks earlier, DeVito was pulled up from the practice squad to the active roster to give Taylor a backup. Now, DeVito got his first taste of the league.
And it didn’t take long for him to get his first taste of the end zone, as he trusted his legs over his arm to put the Giants ahead in the third quarter.
Tommy DeVito 🙌
📺: @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/47Sh2QAkMt
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 29, 2023
Devito, though, didn’t complete his first pass as he went 0 for 4 in the contest. However, he had four carries for 12 yards and the rushing score.
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