At this time of year, everyone is undefeated and optimistic and playing really fast in shorts. And all of that makes it easy to get excited about how players look on the practice field.
Stephen Holder of the Indy Star wrote that praise Colts coach Chuck Pagano has bestowed upon wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has been “no embellishment” and that Hilton has been the star of the team’s early spring practices.
“I’m more motivated, more hungry,” Hilton said. “I’m just ready to go, man. After watching the playoffs last year and not being in there, I’m just ready to get back to that point and continue to lead this team.”
Hilton still caught 69 passes for 1,124 yards last season, his third straight season over 1,000 yards. But quarterback Andrew Luck was hurt and the Colts weren’t the same team they were in the previous two seasons. Hilton signed a big-money extension before last season because he’s Luck’s top target, and for the Colts to get back to the playoffs they’ll need another big season from Hilton.
“T.Y. is having as good an offseason as anybody, probably better than anybody,” Pagano told reporters. “I’ve never seen this guy practice as fast as he’s practicing right now. He’s done it day in and day out.”