Luck can run besides pass, fans optimistic about new Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

By Rick Yencer

Coleman Chastine was one of the few fans to wear the new No. 12 Luck jersey.

ANDERSON, IN - As the afternoon grew hotter, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck showed he could run as well as throw, exciting the crowd that cheered him on.

 That was the highlight during Day 3 at Colts Training Camp on the Anderson University campus as the offense, defense and special teams worked out in pads and 90 degree heat.

 For Coleman Chastine, wearing a No. 12 Luck jersey, the sideline view was great as his father, Don, expressed optimism with the new quarterback  and new coach Chuck Pagano, former defensive coach for the Baltimore Ravens, besides some of the changes already made with defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

 Steve Clark, a veteran Colts fan, liked the change with the new 3-4 alignment in defense from the old 4-3. While Peyton Manning still stands out as the Colt's greatest quarterback to some, even over legendary Johnny Unitas back in Baltimore, Luck's sure hands that produced 80 percent completions the first two days were reassuring to most.

 Ralph Smith Jr., of Muncie made his first visit to the Colts workout, saying how he quit watching the team during the last couple of years. He was curious to see Luck and the new setup, hoping for a better season than last year which produced only a couple of wins.

 Smith and his wife work with youth and training camp is a magnet for youth wanting to see their favorite Colt stars besides a practice or two.

 It will be up to Luck to develop quicky as bad quarterbacking ended in loss after loss last season. And judging from Tim Tebow's short tenure in Denver, there won't be much time for Luck to finish his learning curve at Indianapolis.

 Take the Westfield High School football team near Indianapolis and some of their supporters. They came and gave blood to the Indiana Blood Center while getting to see some of the Colts players.

 Doug Libby, one of the high school players, also expressed confidence in Luck and could not wait to get over to the practice field after giving that life giving blood to others. 

 The Colts preseason begins on Aug. 13 at Lucas Stadium with a visit by the Saint Louis Rams. The regular season opener on Sept.9 is at Soldier Field with the Chicago Bears.

 And the training camp runs through Aug. 17 with evening practices Aug. 7 and Aug.16.