EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- David Wilson, the Giants' first-round draft pick, got reps with the first team for the second straight practice on Tuesday, and couldn't hide his excitement when talking with reporters afterward, smiling from ear to ear.

The confident young running back also made a startling admission. "I was nervous a little bit when they first told me, that I was gonna go with the [first unit]," Wilson said Tuesday. "It had to sink in. I got out in practice yesterday, and you could tell I was a little bit jittery and nervous or whatever."

Wilson added that he didn't even feel nervous in college, when he starred at Virginia Tech. "It was the first time in a long time I felt nervous," he said.

The 21-year-old speedster has been impressive in camp thus far, and appears to be climbing up the depth chart, ahead of veterans D.J. Ware, Andre Brown and Da'Rel Scott.

Starter Ahmad Bradshaw has practiced the past two days despite the bruised hand he suffered in Saturday's preseason victory over the Jets. But whether Bradshaw plays in Friday night's game against the Chicago Bears or not, you'll likely see Wilson out there with Eli Manning and company at some point.

"You want to go out there and show what you can do," said Wilson, "and hopefully get more reps with Eli."

"I’m learning every day, learning something new," added Wilson. "They're not gonna put you out there until they know you’re ready. ... They’re giving me my opportunity this week, and I want to take full advantage."