EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – All the hoopla surrounding quarterback Tommy DeVito last year made him an instant sensation. Now that he’s the New York Giants’ starting quarterback for the second time, he’s trying to keep things relatively mild.

The local product and undrafted free agent from Illinois starts Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium.

“Last year was a good story and everything, how it happened,” DeVito said. “All the fun and games outside, it was fun. That was last year. I’m sticking to football now. Not that I wasn’t before.

“The external things are on pause. I’ve already had conversations with everyone around me, my inner circle. I want it to stay very tight and make sure that Sunday is all about production.”

DeVito was named the surprise starter after the Giants benched Daniel Jones earlier this week. Previously the No. 3 quarterback, he jumped on the depth chart as backup Drew Lock to get another shot.

DeVito mania was a thing late last year after the New Jersey native became the starter and won three straight games. With his Italian heritage, pinched fingers and local roots, he became an instant sensation and the legend of “Tommy Cutlets” was born.

Fans embraced the fleeting success before he returned to the bench in favor of Tyrod Taylor. DeVito had lines around the corner at performances and he quickly became a favorite as he capitalized on the popularity. In fact, it wasn’t unusual for fans to shout his name at training camp this year in hopes of getting his attention. The third-string quarterback was often more popular than the starter.

DeVito, 26, waited patiently as the third quarterback. With another year behind him and leaving his parents’ house, he does his best to avoid all the memes and hype because he knows there are more important things to do on the field.

“I think my mom sends me a few here and there, but I kind of stay away from social media and outside stuff,” DeVito said. “Trying to hone the football.”

DeVito had eight touchdown passes and three interceptions as the Giants went 3-3 in his six starts last season. He never really had a chance to compete for the backup job after Lock signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.

It made this week’s jump straight to DeVito unusual.

“I wouldn’t say surprised,” DeVito said. “I was open to all outcomes. It was something I had been striving for since last year. You always remain ready. You never know.”

Coach Brian Daboll went to DeVito looking for a spark. The Giants (2-8) are trying to revive the energy he brought to the team last season.

“He’s still learning the ropes. … He’s got good leadership. I think he’s got a year in the system where he understands things even better,” Daboll said. “He’s done well since he’s been here, basically since we had him last year, and we’ll work with him as hard as we can so he’s ready to go.”

DeVito took all the first-team reps during Wednesday’s practice. Lock led the scout team and Jones didn’t seem to do much. That appears to be the plan moving forward, with a $23 million injury guarantee hanging over the Giants’ heads.

Jones, who was fourth in line behind recently signed Tim Boyle during the individual drills, spent most of the early part of practice with his arms in the hand warmer around his waist.

“It’s interesting. It’s weird because it’s never what you’ve seen,” Lock said of Jones’ minimal participation in practice. “Again, he’s upset. He takes it as well as anyone else in that position.”

Lock said the way the situation has developed is difficult for him to digest and he is upset and disappointed by the decision. He signed as the Giants’ No. 2 quarterback, so he naturally figured he would be next in line if the Giants moved on from Jones.

“My disappointment will not be reflected one bit by anyone in this facility or after that meeting upstairs,” said Lock, who met one-on-one with Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on Monday. “I already expressed this point up there. My job is to compete, go ahead and be the man. I said I’m going to handle this like a professional. I’m going to be professional. It’s something I’m proud of .I’m not.” it will be a man who will tear the locker room apart.”