The security guard approached to chase the "kids" and their football-launching machine off of private property, out of the office parking lot and into a grass field somewhere.

Except these weren't kids looking for trouble.

These were four members of the Giants going the extra mile by catching punts in whatever space was available near the Passaic County apartment complex where they lived during spring camps.

"The security guard came around, like, 'You guys are Giants players? You have 30 more minutes,'" Marquis Bundy said, laughing. "We got kicked out, but nicely."

What started with Kalif Raymond's idea to buy his own personal JUGS machine developed into frequent practice time for Raymond, Bundy, Hunter Sharp and Amba Etta-Tawo -- four wide receivers on minimum contracts who are competing to make the 53-man roster.

"It's an investment in yourself," Raymond told NJ Advance Media. "You have to make investments like that in order to get better. As an adult, you spend on one thing and you tailor back on another thing. It's expensive, but it was a blessing for me."

JUGS machines - designed to simulate end-over-end kicks and spiral passes at high-velocity speeds - come in many different sizes but weigh about 100 pounds and retail for about $2,000.

NFL players are paid their salary in 17 weekly installments during the regular season, receiving only stipends and per diems during camps.

"Most people bring their Xbox or Playstation or an extra controller. Kalif brought his JUGS machine," Bundy said. "Instead of being inside playing Fortnite all day like a lot of people, we decided to go outside. It felt like the beginning of the summer. Why not get a little sweat in and catch some passes?

The Giants have an opening for a primary punt and kickoff returner, and only three (Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer) of the five or six 53-man roster spots for wide receivers are settled. There are 90 players on the current roster.

Sharp, Bundy and Raymond all played in games for the injury-depleted Giants last season - Etta-Tawo finished 2017 on the practice squad - but an offseason roster overhaul and regime change mean nothing is guaranteed.

"It's about getting extra work in and being as comfortable as possible, trying to master our craft with every chance that we get," Sharp said.

"Kalif and I, it's maybe 20-feet long in our room: One side with the door, one side with the sliding glass window. On that side, you can't drop any balls. We're up at like 10 p.m. just throwing it back and forth. We thought about using the JUGS, though."

'Assembly line'

While with the Jets, Raymond muffed three punts in the first two games of the 2017 season. He was waived one day after his lost fumble allowed the Raiders to blow open a close game.

"I've had trials and tribulations," Raymond said. "But that was new for me. I've had fumbles and whatnot, but I had never muffed one prior to that. It was a humbling experience, but it put a chip on my shoulder because I know what I can do."

That's when Raymond made up his mind to buy a JUGS so it would never be a question of preparation. He showed up this spring in East Rutherford with his machine in the trunk of his car and looking for a foursome not headed to the golf course in downtime.

"We had to use it," Bundy said. "We couldn't believe it. We even went to Lowe's and got an extra-long (extension) cord so we could plug it in his room and go down the street."

As one player fielded punts coming in at 50-60 miles per hour, another loaded the balls 60 yards away. The other two served as midpoint relays. After all, they are receivers and returners, not rocket-armed quarterbacks.

"When it comes to whoever is catching the ball, it's real serious," Sharp said. "There is a little talking going on to try to distract him. It builds confidence. That's just what we do for fun."

Raymond's agent, John Pace of 3XL Sports, supplied the footballs because he was so taken by his client's determination.

The general rule is 10 punts per round before rotating, but there is give and take allowed on the number of reps. The most important thing is everybody leaves on a high note.

"It's like an assembly line," Raymond said. "As soon as you throw it back, the next one is coming. We just get enough for however long you need to feel comfortable. We may catch one, we may catch 100."

Whether on grass or pavement, the workouts lasted as long as 60-90 minutes some days, according to Sharp's estimate, but nobody knows for sure. Time flew by, as it often does when music surges through a nearby set of portable speakers attached to a smart phone.

"Everybody has a different vibe," Sharp said. "Kalif is the reggae guy, he's mellow. I'm passionate about rap. Bundy likes everything. He makes beats. Amba goes with the flow. He is one of the quieter guys."

'Snowball effect'

By nature, the JUGS machine workouts are out of the spotlight cast on the Giants' training facility.

So imagine the look of surprise when Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, who was living in the same temporary housing community at one point, took notice.

"He was saying, 'Look at these guys out here,'" Bundy said. "He can let his blinds down and see some of his players."

The Giants scattered for the summer on June 14, with training camp set to begin July 25.

Raymond loaded the JUGS machine back in his car, shipped it to Colorado and arranged for a kid near his offseason home to feed the balls for his workouts.

"I'm going to carry that work ethic into the season," Raymond said. "I'm looking forward to getting those extra punts in and the snowball effect. I'm going to be getting thousands of punts in."

Returning punts might be Raymond's niche, but there is value in strengthening pass-catching hands. Beckham doesn't have the market cornered on one-handed receptions in Giants practice.

"I really think it's improved my hands," Bundy said after delivering a bone-crunching handshake. "I think it's important for kids to not only be working on their routes, their strength and speed, but they also should be learning focus and catching the football."

Bundy left his personal JUGS machine at his offseason home for friends to use, and Sharp is considering matching the purchase. Raymond (2) has as many credited NFL seasons -- defined as three games or more on the 53-man roster or injured reserve -- as the others combined.

"I was supposed to be buy one with him," admitted Sharp, who was one of the buzzworthy stars of the spring. "But Kalif has made a little more money than me. I appreciate that he's really dedicated."

Of course, the Giants have JUGS machines around their facility and the easier option was just to stay after practice and get in extra work. But Raymond wanted around-the-clock access.

"I look at it like Odell and Shep are working and they are solidified in their positions," Raymond said. "If I'm trying to make a position, the worst thing I can do is work just as hard as them.

"I have to work harder so I can be there with those guys. I think everybody has that mindset. If it's your dream, you've got to work for it."

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.