(Sports Network) -
REPORT DATES: July 25th (rookies), July 28th (veterans)
SITE: Anderson University, Anderson, IN
CAMP OBJECTIVES: The torch will be officially passed when the Colts return to
Anderson for their 2012 camp, as the splendid 13-year Peyton Manning era is
now over and the Andrew Luck period about to commence. Preparing the cerebral
No. 1 overall pick of this past draft for his NFL debut as the team's new
starting quarterback is just one of a multitude of assignments that first-year
head coach Chuck Pagano and his staff will have on their plate as Indianapolis
begins a full-scale rebuilding operation, however. The Colts are switching to
a 3-4 defense in which pass-rush artists Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will
now be deployed as stand-up linebackers, while a worthwhile nose tackle must
be found among the likes of old regime holdover Antonio Johnson, free-agent
addition Brandon McKinney and rookie Josh Chapman (5th Round, Alabama). There
are questions abound at one cornerback spot as well, with lightly tested
third-year man Kevin Thomas, 2011 draftee Chris Rucker and veteran newcomers
Cassius Vaughn and Justin King all competing for a starting nod. The offensive
line will also have a whole new look, with ex-Raider Samson Satele replacing
longtime center Jeff Saturday and a pair of onetime Eagles, guard Mike McGlynn
and tackle Winston Justice, the projected starters on the right side. A few
other rookies will have a chance to contribute right away on offense, with
Luck's Stanford teammate Coby Fleener (2nd Round) and third-round selection
Dwayne Allen the top two prospects at tight end and fifth-rounder Vick Ballard
vying with second-year pro Delone Carter for the backup running back job
behind expected No. 1 option Donald Brown.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 12 - vs. St. Louis, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 19 - at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.
Aug. 25 - at Washington, 4 p.m.
Aug. 30 - vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m.
The Sports Network