Colts Training Camp Breakout Star on Defense

The defense has had a rough go of it so far in preseason, but there are still players who have shown promise. Who is the breakout player from camp so far?

Defense wins championships. It’s an old adage that still holds true today. The Colts’ defense is not championship worthy right now. They have not performed well in their only preseason game, or in camp against the offense. That doesn’t mean everyone has been bad though.

John Simon continues to be impressive. He switched positions from linebacker to defensive end to comply with the new 4-3 system. He still makes impact plays, and even recorded a sack in the first preseason game. He continues to show that he is just a good football player.

Al Woods has looked good as well. He has done a good job so far in camp pushing the offensive lineman back towards the quarterback. He still needs a little work stopping the run game, but he has done a better job of that lately.

But the breakout start so far has been Darius Leonard, the rookie linebacker out of Northern Iowa. There were questions on how quickly he could adjust to the speed of the game after having played FCS football. Leonard has been the most consistent player on the defense so far.

Leonard has solidified himself as a starter, and someone who could develop into a really good player. He is still young, but is showing signs of learning very quickly. He has shown coachability as well. Leonard should be a good player for the Colts this season and for seasons to come.

But the defense needs more Leonards. They need more impact players at different positions. Hopefully the young talent develops and can help the team earlier than expected.