Indianapolis Colts Football

ANDREW LUCK AMONG COLTS PLAYERS THAT VISITED INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Ask virtually any Indiana native and it’s almost a right of initiation for a Hoosier to at least make one visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May.

Andrew Luck has called Indianapolis home for just over a year and he accomplished that visit on Wednesday afternoon.

Driver Charlie Kimball hosted Luck, Chandler Harnish, Matt Hasselbeck and Griff Whalen as the four players got to tour the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing garage.

“As a sports fan, it’s awesome to see a spectacle like this, a stadium like this,” Luck said in a Wednesday press conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “To see how different athletes operate and how a race car team operates compared to a football team. Hopefully it will be a little educational for us.”

Busy with school last May, Luck made sure to make it out to the speedway this year and his relationship with Kimball extends back to the IU-Riley event the driver attended with the Colts quarterback.

Kimball’s father is a Stanford alumnus and Charlie’s aunt even spoke to Luck’s freshman English literature class in Palo Alto.

Both Luck and Kimball spent part of their childhood growing up in Europe but now it’s all about the Circle City during the month of the May.

“I wanted them to come see my office, because in the Winter, it’s easy to turn on the TV and see these guys go to work on Sundays,” Kimball said.

“I wanted to give them the opportunity see what I think is the greatest sporting venue in the world – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and see us turn laps at 215, 220 mph and give them the full Indianapolis experience.”

FOUR INDIANA NATIVES PARTICIPATE IN COLTS ROOKIE MINICAMP

Last year’s Colts rookie class included a pair of Indiana ties from two different avenues.

There was Chandler Harnish, a Bluffton, Ind. native, who was Mr. Irrelevant in April of 2012 and then made the most of that selection by finding a spot on the Colts practice squad for nearly the entire season.

Harnish’s college teammate at Northern Illinois Nathan Palmer (Elkhart, Ind.) became the 2012’s group second Indiana native when he was signed to the Colts active roster on Sept. 24.

Flash forward to 2013 and the Indiana flavor comes from four different players this spring with three tryout invitees looking to find a permanent spot in their home state.

Below are the four players with Indiana ties that have called the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center home for the last three days.

A pair of Hobart, Ind. natives lead the group with Jordan Bright (Indiana State) hailing from the northwest part of the state.

At 6’7”, 297 pounds, Bright is hoping that his trip down to the state capitol will past a little long so his friends and family can continue to watch the defensive end close to home.

“It was real nice hearing from Indy but getting the call was just nice in general,” Bright said. “It’s real close to home and I just want to do everything I can do to keep rolling here.”

Safety Nick Driskill calls Wabash, Ind. home and was apart of one of the winningest football programs in all levels of college during his time at Division III Mount Union.

Driskill falls in a similar line of thinking with Bright in that any call from any team is special enough.

“Just the call alone is a dream in itself,” Driskill said. “There’s still a lot more to it but I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunity.”

Kicker Mike Josifovski (Hobart, Ind.) might be a familiar name to those around the city of Indianapolis as he won Marian the NAIA National Championship in December thanks to game-winning field goals in the semi-finals and championship.

“It was an amazing call,” Josifovski said. “The Colts have always been my favorite team growing up being from Indiana. It’s indescribable but obviously it’s an opportunity where you want to take advantage of it and make the most of it.”

Purdue center Rick Schmeig closes out the quartet and is the lone non-Indiana native in the group.

Schmeig spent last week with the Jacksonville Jaguars and with A.Q. Shipley no longer in Indianapolis, the opportunity is there for some reps at the center position.

“(The coaches) just tell you what you did wrong, tell you what you need to fix,” Schmeig said of the Colts. “They definitely take time with you and let you know how to fix it. I definitely like it here.”

DAILY CLIPS: APRIL 28TH

COLTS NEWS (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
2013 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts brass delighted with bevy of draftees
Colts trade way into 5th round, grab Tenn.-Martin DT Montori Hughes
Colts pick Utah State RB Kerwynn Williams in 7th round
Colts add USC center Khaled Holmes with 4th round pick
Peyton Manning says October game vs. Colts not on his mind yet
Justice Cunningham is 2013 NFL Draft’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant’
Instincts key Colts safety Boyett
Hughes brings troubled past to Colts
Colts continue O-line revamping

COLTS.COM
Five more become Colts
Trojan Horse
Instant Reaction: TE-Justice Cunningham with the No. 254 pick
Instant Reaction: RB-Kerwynn Williams with the No. 230 pick
Instant Reaction: S-John Boyett with the No. 192 pick
Instant Reaction: DT-Montori Hughes with the No. 139 pick
C/OG Khaled Holmes with the No. 121 pick
Grigson finds trench player in a former wrestler, Thornton
Harnish looks back on eventful final day of 2012 NFL Draft
Thornton’s toughness continually praised by draft analysts

AFC SOUTH BLOG
The work left to do in the AFC South
AFC South draft analysis
Wooten’s best quality for Titans: speed
The Texans’ four sixth-rounders
Jaguars now have options at safety
Titans may need run downs from Edwards
Denard Robinson: Offensive weapon?
Texans grow LB depth with Williams
Titans continue to add to O-line
Ace Sanders could give Jaguars a jolt
On the Jaguars’ restraint at quarterback

NFL NEWS
Eagles take Matt Barkley at No. 98
Source: LB Shaun Phillips to Denver
LeGarrette Blount dealt to Pats
QB Ryan Nassib goes to Giants
The 2013 draft’s winners, losers
Five best, worst matches of the draft
2013 NFL Draft: Breaking down winning and worrisome picks
Stephen Ross: Dolphins better without Tony Sparano
2013 NFL Draft: Winners and losers; rookie GMs do well
NFL Draft: Fraternal brothers of rehab helping Lattimore
Big weekend for the Packers and other thoughts on Day 3 of draft

AFC TEAM NEWS
Bill Belichick’s plan speaks to depth
NY Jets GM John Idzik, who helped build talented Seattle Seahawks, right to draft QB Geno Smith

NFC TEAM NEWS
NY Giants grab Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib after trading up in the fourth round of the NFL draft
Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene thrilled to be joining the Bears’ legacy of linebackers

CHANDLER CHERISHES CHOICE

What’s in a name?  Sometimes nothing at all.

The 253^rd choice of the 2012 draft was the final one.  For years, the player taken with the last pick has been dubbed, “Mr. Irrelevant.”

It is a program now that is part of the landscape, part of draft lore.

It will apply to an Indianapolis Colt Saturday night just like it did a year ago when Chandler Harnish was spared the undrafted free agency route into the NFL by being selected by his favorite team.

He felt anything but irrelevant.

“Just getting the call (from the Colts),” said Harnish of what was memorable about last year’s draft.  “It was the worst day of my life going into that seventh round.  When I finally got the call at the end, it turned out to be the best day.”

The Bluffton native and product of Norwell High School threw for 68 touchdowns and almost 9,000 yards at Northern Illinois.

He was the first quarterback to lead NIU to four bowl games, and he was the second quarterback taken by the Colts in the draft.

Being the last pick meant a big difference from not being taken at all.

“I think you look at it emotionally, mentally and financially.  There is some difference,” said Harnish.  “For me, it was mentally, because I would have felt like I let people down if I weren’t drafted.  I know no one ever thought that, but I had the goal set in my mind.

“It didn’t matter what round, I just wanted to get drafted.  To make family and friends proud was kind of the cherry on top.”

Harnish spent the first five games last year on the active roster, then finished the balance of the season on the practice squad.  He is one of three quarterbacks – Andrew Luck and Matt Hasselbeck – now on the roster.

Harnish will welcome the final pick in this year’s draft just as he was made to feel at home with the Colts, his favorite team growing up.

“I’m going to try to be his personal mentor (laughs).  It will be fun,” said Harnish.  “I’m going to tell him to have fun with (being Mr. Irrelevant).  There will be people making jokes.  Just go out and don’t worry about what people are saying.  Try to prove them wrong.

“I think it’s a measure of motivation.  He’ll be a guy I try to connect with right away.  It’s still an incredible honor to get drafted.”

DAILY CLIPS: APRIL 17TH

COLTS NEWS (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
Indianapolis Colts’ worst draft picks: No. 4, quarterback Jeff George
Sizing up the Colts’ pre-NFL draft roster; defensive line
NFL Draft: See who the Colts may pick in this mock draft
Colts’ Harnish hits half court shot in jersey challenge
Colts’ offseason brings questions, pressure
Colts confident they can sell new luxury suites
Hamilton says Colts have ‘No Coast offense’
Andrew Luck’s cell phone looks almost as old as him
What do Andrew Luck and your grandfather have in common? They both own flip phones
Matt Hasselbeck, Chandler Harnish settle jersey No. 8

COLTS.COM
2013 NFL draft preview: defensive ends
Colts top draft pick: offensive lineman
Reunited feels so good
One for eight

AFC SOUTH BLOG
AFC South salary –cap report
GMs keep an eye on mock drafts

NFL NEWS
Texans likely to buck trend of using top pick on defender
Titans’ Gray on plusses of three veteran safeties
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley excited to be on the field
Pat Summerall, Star kicker with Giants and Calm voice on TV, dies at 82
NFL to reveal schedule Thursday
Ultimate Mock Draft IX: Awkward moment awaits former Packers QB Brett Favre
Robert Kraft donating up to $100,000 to Boston Marathon victims

AFC TEAM NEWS
Patriots pledge donations
Source: NY Jets agree to one year deal with outside LB Calvin Pace
Tom Telesco navigates a ‘unique’ draft

NFC TEAM NEWS
NY Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul says Tom Coughlin comments on his weight ‘never bothered’ him
Carimi sets sights on guard spot

ARIZONA ADDS TWO COLTS

Indianapolis has lost two players via unrestricted free agency – cornerback Jerraud Powers and quarterback Drew Stanton.

Powers joined the Colts in 2009 as a third-round draft pick.  He started 34 games over his first three seasons, while opening eight contests in 2012.

Powers ended this past season on injured reserve with a toe injury.  He started every career appearance and played on the club’s 2009 Super Bowl XLIV squad.

Stanton opened four of 12 career games with Detroit from 2007-11, then departed for the New York Jets.  The Colts obtained Stanton in a trade with the Jets last March.

Stanton was the only veteran quarterback on the Indianapolis roster last year, but he saw no action as rookie Andrew Luck took every offensive snap.

His departure leaves the Colts with two quarterbacks, Luck and Chandler Harnish.

The Colts wish the best for Powers and Stanton.

ROOKIE RECAP: WEEK 6

With a plethora of rookie players on the Colts roster, each week Colts.com will take a look at how the first-year players performed.

Dwayne Allen, TE: Allen caught the first pass of the game for the Colts and added another grab for 21 yards. Through five games, Allen is fourth on the team with 12 catches and 109 yards receiving.

Vick Ballard, RB: With running back Donald Brown injured, Ballard got his fist NFL start on Sunday. Ballard had eight carries for 25 yards and caught a pair of passes for 17 yards.

LaVon Brazill, RB: Brazill caught his second pass in the NFL on Sunday, taking a screen pass for 14 yards. Brazill also played on special teams with two kickoff returns for 35 yards.

Jerry Brown, OLB: Brown made his NFL debut on Sunday, playing on special teams.

Coby Fleener, TE: Fleener had another successful afternoon, catching four balls for 42 yards. Fleener his third on the team with 17 catches for 181 yards.

T.Y. Hilton, WR: Hilton saw action as a receiver and a punt returner against the Jets. Hilton had three catches for 31 yards and ranks third on the team with 196 yards receiving.

Andrew Luck, QB: Luck was 22-of-44 on Sunday for 280 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Luck’s totals through five games read as 118-of-221 (53.4 percent) passing for 1,488 yards and seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Nate Palmer, WR: Palmer caught his first NFL catch on the Colts second play from scrimmage. Palmer also played on special teams.

Bradley Sowell, OT: Sowell was a reserve lineman for the Colts on Sunday, filling in for right tackle Winston Justice in the second half.

Rookie quarterback Chandler Harnish was inactive against the Packers

ROOKIE RECAP: WEEK 5

With a plethora of rookie players on the Colts roster, each week Colts.com will take a look at how the first-year players performed.

Dwayne Allen, TE: Allen had his second straight productive week in the passing game with four catches for 38 yards. His eight-yard touchdown early in the third quarter marked the first touchdown of the game for the Colts. Allen has 10 catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Vick Ballard, RB: With running back Mewelde Moore inactive, Ballard saw significant action backing up Donald Brown. Ballard had six carries for 11 yards on Sunday and recorded his first career NFL catch in the second quarter.

LaVon Brazill, RB: Brazill played on special teams on Sunday and also saw time offensively when the Colts went to five receivers.

Coby Fleener, TE: Fleener was second on the team with five catches for 41 yards on Sunday. After four games, Fleener has 13 grabs for 139 yards.

T.Y. Hilton, WR: Hilton had three catches for 37 yards against the Packers and returned a pair of punts for 13 yards. Early in the fourth quarter with the Colts facing a second-and-12 from the Packers 37-yard line, Hilton made an impressive 26-yard grab in front of All-Pro cornerback Charles Woodson. The catch helped set up an Adam Vinatieri 28-yard field goal, which gave the Colts their first lead of the day.

Dominique Jones, TE: Jones saw action on both offense and special teams, mainly being used as a blocker.

Andrew Luck, QB: Luck set career highs throwing for 362 yards on 31-of-55 passing, two touchdowns and one interception. For the fourth straight game, Luck helped lead a two-minute scoring drive which was set up by his seven-yard run a third-and-seven with 47 seconds remaining. Luck had six carries for 24 yards.

Nate Palmer, WR: Palmer saw his first career NFL action on Sunday, seeing action on offense and special teams.

Bradley Sowell, OT: Sowell was a reserve lineman for the Colts on Sunday and blocked on special teams.

Rookie quarterback Chandler Harnish was inactive against the Packers

PALMER AND HARNISH CONTINUE PATH TOGETHER

From a northern Indiana high school, to Northern Illinois University and now back to the capital of his home state, quarterback Chandler Harnish hasn’t had to travel very far to fulfill his lifelong dream.

Now, he shares that path with fellow Colts wide receiver Nate Palmer.

The Colts signed Palmer off the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on Monday and he and Harnish have been down a similar road in achieving the goal of playing in the NFL.

Palmer attended Elkhart Central High School and then headed to NIU with Harnish in the fall of 2007.

Both of them redshirted that season before playing vital roles with the Huskies in helping lead them to four straight bowl appearances.

“I was excited to get back with an old teammate,” Harnish said. “For him, being in his home state again, it’s exciting and to be on the active roster on top of that. Just a really happy moment for him.”

Harnish set numerous school records at NIU and credited Palmer for a lot of his success.

The two did not know each other directly in high school but once arriving on campus, it didn’t take long for the two to witness each other’s talent.

“Nate is a great player but an even better person,” Harnish said. “He’s a playmaker, plain and simple. He’s a fast guy. He’s done a lot of great things in his career and he loves the game. He understands the game of football and we got nothing but a great player.”

Palmer made 20 starts in his four years of playing at NIU and caught 93 balls for 1,575 yards while accumulating 200 yards on the ground.

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano talked about the Palmer pickup on his weekly radio show Monday evening.

“The way things fell we were going to look at taking him late (in the draft) but we had some other needs and went a different direction,” Pagano said.

“Our scouts and Ryan (Grigson) knew about him for a long time. He’s a 4.4 (40-yard dash) kid that can take the top off the defense. He’s got good hands. He’s explosive. He’s much like Donnie Avery.”

With wide receiver Austin Collie being placed on injured reserve, Palmer will get a chance to make an impact right away with the Colts.

For Harnish, it will seem like the beginning of college all over again.

“He made his presence known real quick at Northern,” Harnish said. “He’s just an unbelievable player and I think the sky’s the limit for that guy.”

ROOKIE RECAP: WEEK THREE

With a plethora of rookie players on the Colts roster, each week Colts.com will take a look at how the first-year players performed.

Dwayne Allen, TE: Allen had a career-high five catches for 35 yards on Sunday. His five catches were second most on the team.

Vick Ballard, RB: Ballard saw action offensively and on special teams against the Jaguars. He had five carries for 12 yards as the Colts once again used a trio of backs on Sunday.

LaVon Brazill, WR: Brazill played on special teams on Sunday and recorded his first career NFL tackle on a kick return.

Coby Fleener, TE: Fleener did not record a catch on Sunday as Allen had all the production in the receiving game for the tight end position.

T.Y. Hilton, WR: Hilton was the star of the rookie class against the Jaguars. He had three of the four longest plays for the Colts offense on Sunday including his first career touchdown via a 40-yard reception. Hilton returned four punts for 29 yards and had one kickoff return for 26 yards.

Dominique Jones, TE: Jones saw action on both offense and special teams, mainly being used as a blocker.

Andrew Luck, QB: Luck was 22-of-46 for 313 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. He threw his fifth touchdown pass of the season, all of which have gone to different receivers. Luck also had a productive day on the ground against the Jaguars, rushing for 50 yards on four carries.

Rookie quarterback Chandler Harnish and offensive tackle Bradley Sowell were inactive against the Jaguars.