NORTH CALDWELL -- A year ago, Will Tye was just another undrafted rookie getting ready to fight for a spot in training camp.

The Giants tight end is approaching this offseason the same way he went about his preparation last summer. But when Tye reports to training camp later this month, there will be a big difference: Everyone will know who he is, and will have high expectations for him.

Tye, a Stony Brook product, was one of the bright spots of an otherwise lost Giants season in 2015, emerging as one of quarterback Eli Manning's trusted targets in the second half of the year. After season-ending injuries to veterans Daniel Fells and Larry Donnell, Tye went from the practice squad to the starter's job, registering 42 catches for 464 yards and three touchdowns over 13 games with seven starts.

Tye is another player preparing for the coming season by training with Montclair-based Parabolic Performance and Rehab and NFL Program Director Brian Martin. When a reporter sees him running routes on the West Essex High football field, he looks bigger than he did at the end of last season - a result of losing 5-7 pounds this offseason, he said, and replacing it with muscle.

"It's been a real interesting experience, but it's been good. Just to get more established, maintain my health and strength, make sure I stay fit," Tye told NJ Advance Media after a recent workout.

His main focus for improvement this summer? "More consistency."

"With all the plays, with myself, maintaining my health, keeping my eating habits up," he added. "Staying focus throughout the whole process, whether it's on or off the field."

Tye has paid particular attention to what happens before the ball is snapped. When he lines up to run routes or work on his blocking, "he's counting things, working through his plays, working through his checks, really getting himself into situations," Martin said. And Tye said he feels much more comfortable in the offense going into his second year.

"I knew the plays, but I really didn't know them," Tye said. "I know how to be on the outside of [the defender's] shoulder pads (now, for example), and knowing that too is going to make a big difference, as is being in the same offense again."

That was another break for Tye. When Tom Coughlin was pushed out at the end of last season, Tye faced the uncertainties of a new coaching staff, like any player. But when offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was promoted to head coach, and tight ends coach Kevin M. Gilbride was retained, it was a relief for Tye.

"It's a huge feel-better," Tye said. "They know my strengths and what I had to work on. ... I'm going to get better every year. I know my work ethic."

Tight end will be a position to watch for the Giants in training camp. Donnell is back and healthy, which means him and Tye will be battling for the No. 1 spot both held at different junctures in 2015, with second-year man Matt LaCosse also in the mix. And there's also sixth-round pick Jerell Adams, veteran Will Johnson, and undrafted rookie Ryan Malleck, a Point Pleasant native who had a strong offseason program.

"We have a group message, we text a lot. It's a very close-knit group," Tye said. "We go out together, we keep that relationship, and we're competing on the field and even in the meeting room. We push everyone."

James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find and like NJ.com Giants on Facebook.