TERRE HAUTE — If you’re looking for a candidate to become an emerging figure for the Indianapolis Colts this fall, the name of second-year linebacker Philip Wheeler shouldn’t be far down your list.
Limited almost entirely to special-teams duties last season, partly because of some training-camp injury difficulties, Wheeler — a four-year letterwinner at Georgia Tech who was the Colts’ third-round draft choice in 2008 — is being given a chance to earn a starting spot at strongside linebacker this year.
He won’t be hard to spot on the field, for several reasons.
For one thing, at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds he’s the biggest of the five candidates for the three linebacker spots.
For another, he has dreadlocks longer than any other Colt — yes, longer even than all-pro safety Bob Sanders. Now that Clint Session, last year’s strongside backer who has switched to the weak side this year, has shortened his own hair, Wheeler is the lone linebacker with that to distinguish himself too.
But the main reason Wheeler is expected to stand out is talent. The potential of the quick, rangy athlete is a big reason why all the changes were made, and he could give the Colts a dimension they haven’t had in a while at that spot.
But Wheeler, whose production last year was three tackles, plus 14 more stops on special teams, is taking nothing for granted.
“I’ve been having a good camp and learning a lot,” he said after the Colts’ afternoon practice on Friday. “Last year I got injured and couldn’t finish the whole camp.”
The addition of veteran defensive coordinator Larry Coyer to the coaching staff might be part of the reason for the shakeup of the linebacker corps and for a few subtle changes in defensive emphasis. More blitzes, perhaps, and certainly more pressure on the newest member of the starting lineup.
“I’ve got a new coordinator on my back, and there are a lot of higher expectations for me,” Wheeler said.
With Wheeler moving into the lineup and Session moving to the other side, veteran middle linebacker Gary Brackett could be the only Colts linebacker starting in the same position as a year ago when Indianapolis opens its regular season against Jacksonville on Sept. 13.
That’s not only an athletic group, but one with two veteran former starters, Tyjuan Hagler and Freddie Keiaho, in reserve. Another possibility at linebacker is Adam Seward, a five-year veteran picked up as a free agent after formerly playing with the Carolina Panthers and the only other Indianapolis linebacker comparable in size to Wheeler.
Thus Wheeler plays with a sense of urgency, despite currently being listed as a first-teamer.
“Whenever you’re at a starting position, it’s yours to lose,” he explained Friday, “and I have guys who are starters behind me.”
He doesn’t look at his size as giving him an advantage in trying to keep that starting spot either.
“Heightwise, I’m the tallest out there,” he said, “but those other guys play pretty big too. We just have a lot of depth.”
His philosophy, then, is simple, Wheeler summarized.
“I’ve got to play every game like it’s my last.”
Colts
This year, Wheeler getting his chance with Colts
- Colts
-
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Just because Dallas Clark is now in Tampa Bay and Jacob Tamme has moved on to Denver doesn’t mean that the tight end position has become any less important to the Indianapolis Colts offense.
-
Colts working on rebuilding as Luck finishes at Stanford
With No 1 quarterback Andrew Luck finishing up architectural classes at Stanford, coach Chuck Pagano’s rebuilding project goes on as scheduled during the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices at the team’s West 56th Street headquarters.
-
Colts have no plan to move from Anderson
Apparently the Indianapolis Colts and Anderson University officials found a way to work out a few last-minute snags concerning the team’s summer training camp site.
-
Colts’ new QB has a lot to keep him busy
With three days of rookie mini-camp now behind him and a few more weeks of college class work still ahead, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has come to a crossroads.
-
Mr. Irrelevant may find home with Colts
Chandler Harnish might be Mr. Irrelevant to most of the National Football League, but the former Norwell High School standout — who grew up in Bluffton — has a real chance to stick around the Indianapolis Colts locker room for awhile.
-
All eyes on new Indy quarterback
Day One of the Andrew Luck era went off without a hitch Friday at the Indianapolis Colts’ West 56th Street practice facility.
-
Colts fill need at cornerback
While the Indianapolis Colts failed to add any cornerbacks among the 10 players selected during this past weekend’s National Football League draft, general manager Ryan Grigson and the team’s scouting department were able to snag three undrafted free agents to play the position.
-
New Colts GM, coach pleased with first draft
In a sense, first-year general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano were rookies during the 2012 NFL draft.
-
Colts’ new look comes into shape tonight at MSG
A changing of the guard. That’s what fans of the Indianapolis Colts can look forward to when the NFL draft commences tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
-
Colts confirm that Luck is choice
It’s official. The Indianapolis Colts will select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft Thursday night.
-
Colts know, but won't say who No. 1 pick will be
With the first round of the NFL draft just a week away, Indianapolis Colts first-year general manager Ryan Grigson admitted Wednesday that team officials know who they are going to select with the No. 1 overall pick.
-
New-look Colts open against Bears
While the Indianapolis Colts knew back in February who they would be playing during the 2012 regular season, there were plenty of questions about the dates, locations and times of those games.
-
Colts look nothing like team of old with workouts under way
For the first time since last month’s massive roster purge, Indianapolis Colts players — both those that are returning as well as some of the newer additions — were available to talk about the franchise’s immediate future during an open lockerroom session Wednesday.
-
Former Colts Saturday, Diem decide their NFL futures
The revolving door to the Indianapolis Colts locker room keeps spinning at the team's headquarters on West 56th Street.
-
Going to Denver: Manning’s move bound to shake up AFC
The Denver Broncos got their Man. Make that Peyton Manning.
Pending final contract negotiations, Manning will join John Elway’s Broncos with hopes of winning another Super Bowl.
-
Wayne surprises many with move
Welcome home Reggie Wayne.
-
Wayne stays put in Indy
After a week of bad news for Indianapolis Colts fans that included the release of quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, middle linebacker Gary Brackett, safety Melvion Bullitt and quarterback Curtis Painter, finally something positive.
-
Indianapolis puts team roster under knife
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sounded the warning bell during Wednesday’s press conference announcing the release of 14-year quarterback Peyton Manning.
-
MARK BENNETT: Manning leaves great memories for Colts fans
The emotion behind the words was obvious.
-
Peyton-palooza: Manning will have significant number of suitors
Rex Ryan’s Jets need leadership in a lost locker room.
-
Irsay offers only ‘circumstances’
So if Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay wanted Peyton Manning to stay with the team, what happened?
-
UPDATE: Colts announce they’re releasing Manning
Peyton Manning’s record-breaking run as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts ended today, when owner Jim Irsay announced the team would release its best player.
-
Colts, Peyton Manning prepared to part ways?
It looks very much as if an era will be coming to a close today.
-
Colts agree to deal with Mathis
After signing a multi-year deal on Monday, it looks as if Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis will play his entire National Football League career with the Indianapolis Colts.
-
Colts defense about to receive overhaul
Changes are coming quickly for the Indianapolis Colts defense.
-
Luck may be ready to go from start
Talk about walking into a pressure-packed situation.
-
Choices at QB are plentiful for Indianapolis
Whatever decision the Indianapolis Colts ultimately make on who will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2012, the job will ultimately be in good hands.
-
Pagano ready to begin Colts' rebuilding process
With the Peyton Manning situation still unresolved, a pair of recently hired Indianapolis Colts — coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson — are moving on with plans to rebuild the franchise.
-
Colts welcome Manusky aboard as defensive coordinator
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano and potential No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck led the parade.
Grigson and Pagano confirmed the hiring of several assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, Marwan Maalouf (special teams), Roy Anderson (safeties), Alfredo Roberts (tight ends) and Brandt Boyer (assistant special teams). -
Mathis, Garcon at top of Colts’ wish list; Wayne isn’t
Expect defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be priorities for the Indianapolis Colts during free agency.
- More Colts Headlines
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Today in History
Astronauts Enter World's 1st Private Supply Ship
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Shell Readies Arctic Drill Ship
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Wild weather for Memorial Day weekend
Raw Video: Man Rescued From River in China
Beyonce Entertains the First Family
Celtics crush Sixers in Game 7
Alleged Lego Thief Faces Felony Charges
Has Snooki Named Her Baby?
Heat Wave Warms Holiday Weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
