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Colts Centers Holmes and Harrison ‘Splitting Reps’

By Luke Schultheis

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The Indianapolis Colts will have a competition to see who will become their starting center for next season. While last year’s late season starter in Khaled Holmes is expected to be the favorite to eventually win the job, the Colts are still having 2nd-year center Jonotthan Harrison compete for the job, even splitting reps so far:

"“We’re rotating them through the time right now,” Colts Offensive Line Coach Joe Gilbert said via Colts.com regarding the team’s offseason program. “I think they know the competition is between the two of them.”"

After taking over as the starting center in Week 16, Holmes went on to start the next 4 games for the Colts including all 3 playoff games. While the former 2014 4th round pick wasn’t great by any means, he was a clear upgrade over the then benched Harrison on what looked to be an improved Colts offensive line that showed improved continuity and cohesiveness after being previously decimated by late season injuries.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Khaled Holmes (62) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Still, Harrison made 10 starts for the Colts last season, as an undrafted rookie out of Florida, which is an impressive feat in its own right. He showed initial promise in his first handful of starts for the team before eventually hitting a “rookie wall” and struggling with consistency, including some memorable mis-snaps and false start penalties.

The Colts were clearly comfortable going with either Holmes or Harrison at starting center, as the team did not sign or draft any other significant alternatives to the roster this offseason. While such a move could ultimately backfire, especially if it comes at the expense of Andrew Luck‘s health, it does appear that the battle between Holmes and Harrison for the starting center job will be a competitive one:

"“The one good thing is they get along. They compete. They know they’re competing, but again, I think that’s the part that really pushes both of them to really hit their max,” Gilbert added. “Instead of just being complacent, both of them know they have to come out and compete every day.”"

There’s no real issue of having a healthy competition in most circumstances, and even if Holmes ultimately wins the starting center job as anticipated, at least Harrison’s presence will push his play and bring out his best. The middle of the Colts offensive line is certainly depending on it.

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