By CHARLIE CLIFFORD
WISH-TV
Life with Andrew Luck isn’t routine just yet.
That goes for everybody expect the one receiver on this roster who doesn’t need routine or routes or really anything other than pure speed.
Yes, the four-time pro bowl wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
“Short game is going good, deep game is going good…right now, we’re mixing it, getting a feel for how we’re going to play,” Hilton said. “But the tempo is feeling really good.”
As for any rust with Luck, anywhere, on any route involving Hilton – No. 13 doesn’t see it.
“Just like when you wake up, brush your teeth, wash your face. It’s easy for us,” Hilton said.
First-year head coach Frank Reich is still finding his footing regarding the Luck-Hilton relationship.
What he knows after one week of camp: Keep the coaching to a minimum.
“It’s funny…I remember in the offseason Andrew (Luck) saying, ‘Hey, T.Y. may not run the route the same way you coach him to, but I promise you I know exactly what he’s going to do. Let’s just let it at that. Don’t over coach him. I know what he’s going to do.”
One other piece of Hilton’s game that continues to develop at camp is his ability to coach up a young and inexperienced wide receiver room. Just like Reggie Wayne did for the rookie out of Florida International back in 2012, Hilton said his door is always open.
“If they got a question, they always know to ask me. I make sure they study film, what to look for in a defense, how to get better. Right now, they’re playing great football.”
One of Hilton’s new understudies is rookie wide receiver Deon Cain out of Clemson. Cain flashed again on Wednesday despite a couple of drops. Off the field, the lengthy pass catcher is busy keeping a a keen eye on Hilton.
“I said, ‘Bro, how do you do that?’ He said, ‘it’s just natural.’ I gotta practice on that. He makes it look so easy. He’s a great guy to learn from. His routes, his demeanor, how he approaches practice every day. I like T.Y. and I’m definitely going to learn a lot from him.”
Professor Hilton is back to work Thursday at Grand Park. As long as his sidekick is rifling footballs in his direction, class will be back in session in the AFC South.
That gives you at least one part of Colts football to be excited about for the 2018 season.
Reece Fountain goes up to make a catch during Wednesday’s training camp practice at Grand Park. Fountain is a rookie from Northern Iowa and was drafted in the fifth round. (Kent Graham)
Krishawn Hogan graduated from Warren Central and played for Marian University. He is in his second season with the Colts. (Kent Graham)