Indianapolis Colts Heading to the Next Phase
OTAs and minicamp have come and gone. The Indianapolis Colts now set their eyes on Anderson, Ind. the site of training camp. Indy will finally get a chance to strap on the pads and see who is who. Today, the players report to Anderson University as they
The next phase also has an unspoken part to it. The players will now be on their own for a month and a half. The league has already handed down some key suspensions to some key players on other teams. It’s now up to players to keep they’re eyes on the prize and stay out of trouble.
The Colts have normally not had too much trouble in this aspect of the game but you just never know. Guys also have to make sure they stay in shape. Teams normally give players a pretty good conditioning test when they arrive at training camp. This is important because if a guy isn’t in shape it could cost him his starting spot or even a roster spot potentially. As before mentioned the Colts have been a team that don’t have a lot of character concerns so lets hope that continues.
The next phase will also feature some players to watch returning from injury. Health will likely determine who the starting five offensive lineman will be. Robert Mathis is of course on all Colts fan’s radars. Linebacker Nate Irving will be coming off an ACL tear from last season and is a guy who could be important on the depth chart. Running back Vick Ballard is an often forgotten man will be returning from two injured seasons. Ballard could be a factor in the Colts’ backfield situation if he’s healthy.
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Another player flying under the radar is Ulrick John a seventh round pick in last years draft. John has a ton of potential and if he’s healthy that could shuffle the o-line a bit. This next phase moving to training camp is critical for these guys as they battle back from injury.
There will be many camp battles for starting spots on this team as well. Some guys have an inside track to start with first team reps but that can could change quickly. The center position will be a tough battle. I expect Khaled Holmes to take first team reps to start but look out for Jonathan Harrison. Another spot to keep a close eye on is left guard. Gosder Cherilus is gone and Jack Mewhort is at right tackle. Hugh Thornton will be in the mix along with Donald Thomas, Ben Heenan, and Lance Louis.
Frank Gore is expected to be the starting running back, but who are the backups going to be? Dan Herron is probably the number two. What happens between Zurlon Tipton, Josh Robinson, and Ballard will be up in the air. The wide receiver position for the fourth and fifth spot will also catch attention.
The next phase starts today in Anderson. The beginning of the 2015 season for the Colts. This team is poised for big things this year. It starts tomorrow and for Colts fans we all hope it ends in Santa Clara with the Vince Lombardi trophy.