The Indianapolis Colts are barely a week into their full training camp, but it is already apparent that a former University of Maine star could have a future with the NFL franchise.
Trevor Bates of Westbrook is making an impression with the Colts as an outside linebacker and potential edge rusher, according to a story published by The Herald Bulletin of Anderson, Indiana.
The 6-foot-2, 247-pound Bates could help Indianapolis and new defensive coordinator Ted Monachino fill a void at outside linebacker as the Colts seek an outside pass rusher to complement veteran Robert Mathis.
Bates, who was selected by the Colts in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April, has been working with the starting defense as part of Indy’s “nickel” package, which includes four down linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs.
“I try to soak those reps in and really get the most out of those reps because they don’t come too often,” Bates told The Herald Bulletin.
“I try to do as best I can and really try to hone in and just get the most out of that rep,” he added.
Bates is listed second on the Colts’ depth chart at strong-side linebacker behind Erik Walden, a ninth-year player out of Middle Tennessee State.
Bates is in the midst of a considerable transition as he attempts to make the jump to playing on Sundays.
For starters, he spent almost his entire career at the University of Maine playing defensive end. That meant developing a knack for shedding opposing linemen and tracking down the quarterback or the ballcarrier.
Bates did so successfully, claiming All-Colonial Athletic Association first-team honors after posting 57 tackles, including 7½ sacks. He was third in the conference with 14½ tackles for a loss of yardage.
In going from playing with his hand on the ground to standing up and having different responsibilities, Bates is trying to focus on doing all the little things that will add up to success at linebacker.
“I’m a little undersized, so I’ve got to really hone in on using my discipline and using discipline with my technique and playing with great leverage and playing behind my hands and taking that with every single rep,” Bates told Colts.com’s Andrew Walker on Monday.
The unassuming Bates has earned his NFL opportunity through hard work and persistence, so he is willing to do whatever it takes to modify his play if it will help him get on the field.
With Indianapolis, Bates also has the luxury of learning the ropes from Mathis. He and the 14-year NFL veteran share some common background, as both are smaller players who came from less prestigious college programs.
It has worked out well for Mathis, a 6-2, 245-pound outside ’backer who played at Alabama A&M and was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2003. He turned 35 in February.
“He was undersized, came from a smaller school, and I came from that same upbringing,” Bates told Colts.com. “I try to take all that in and really try to emulate his game and see what I can use that he does that works.”
Bates has been paying great attention to how Mathis (118 career sacks, 51 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries) has molded his skills to fit the Colts’ scheme and the NFL game.
He has been challenged thus far in camp, especially trying to cover veteran receivers such as T.Y. Hilton or taking on blocks by hulking offensive linemen.
But Bates’ efforts have not been lost on Indy’s all-time sacks leader.
“Very smart and instinctive player,” Mathis said of Bates. “He’s kind of one of my favorite rookies right now, so I’m a big fan. He does what he needs to do to get better each and every day.”
NFL teams have made the transition this week to practicing in full pads. Bates hopes to pass his first significant test on Sunday when the Colts take on the Green Bay Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio.
He may even encounter a familiar face on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Former UMaine teammate Justin Perillo is a third-year tight end for the Packers.
“I’m really just taking it one day at a time,” Bates told The Herald Bulletin. “But when that time comes to play that game and strap it up and actually be able to hit, get the violence back into the game, it’s going to be great.”