Former Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler is back in the middle of a major Colts training camp battle, and this time the prize is a starting job.
Wohler, who was a breakout name in Indianapolis camp last year, had been trending toward a bigger role before a season-ending injury stopped that momentum cold. Now, after spending the year sidelined, he’s again fighting for a spot that could put him in the lineup from the jump.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Colts are watching the safety competition closely, with Wohler matched up against rookie A.J. Haulcy, a third-round pick in this year’s draft.
"The Colts are taking a closer look at second-year safety Hunter Wohler, who sustained a season-ending injury in camp as a rookie last year. He is in a competition with rookie A.J.
Haulcy, who was impressive in the spring and looked to have the edge at strong safety. This will be a position battle to watch."
Stephen Holder, ESPN
Wohler’s path with the Colts has been a little unusual from the start. Indianapolis drafted him in the seventh round, listed him as a linebacker at first, and still viewed him as a player who could help in multiple spots. The expectation was pretty straightforward: make the roster, add depth, contribute on special teams, and give the team flexibility.
Then the injuries hit the Colts’ roster, and Wohler’s stock started climbing. Chris Ballard and the staff got a longer look at him as a possible starter, especially after Nick Cross went down.
For Wisconsin fans, that wasn’t exactly a surprise. The frustration was more about how long it took for the NFL to notice what he could do.
Wohler backed up the buzz in preseason action. Against the Ravens, he piled up nine tackles in the first half alone, which led the team. He was also making noise throughout camp, including with an interception that got plenty of attention online.
But he never got the chance to carry that into the regular season. His injury shut everything down before it could really begin.
Now the door is open again. Wohler has gone from seventh-round pick to roster question to injured reserve to a real shot at starting, and the only thing standing in the way is Haulcy, the rookie from LSU. For Badger fans, this is one to keep an eye on as Colts camp unfolds.
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