Colts Rookie Emerging as Threat to Start

0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. One first-year Indianapolis Colt is doing more than adjusting to NFL life.

He's making an impact on the field to the point that he could end up seeing significant playing time this year — or even start.

A.J. Haulcy, a safety who was drafted in the third round out of LSU, was highlighted by Colts.com writer Abby Halpi on Tuesday.

The former Tiger has stepped in for Hunter Wohler, who sustained a hamstring injury on Saturday, and has since gotten a majority of the reps for the first-team defense.

"He hasn't had a mental error to my recollection," defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. "So he keeps that up, and that'll be good for him in his field."

Anarumo, a longtime NFL coach, added that young players often make mistakes, but Haulcy seems to be limiting them.

"Out here he's done well," Anarumo said. "That doesn't mean he's played perfect, but he's been in the right spot."

Haulcy has also impressed head coach Shane Steichen by being what teammates described as a "ballhawk."

"He's a smart guy for a young guy," Steichen said. "I thought he was in position for a lot of plays ... I think he's got really good instincts. He's always around the ball, and you need that at that position."

While he still needs to develop to get regular playing time in the NFL, he's certainly got a knack for finding the ball in college.

He had 10 interceptions in his four college seasons and forced four fumbles.

He also had 203 total tackles, showing he's not afraid of contact.

Whether Haulcy can hold onto the top safety job when Wohler returns from injury remains to be seen, but the chance to work out with the Colts' top defensive players is an honor for a rookie, and one that can help them develop into a pro more quickly.

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