You can’t ignore the ball production that new Indianapolis Colts’ safety AJ Haulcy had during his college career. Even veteran safety Cam Bynum has taken notice.
Over the last two seasons alone, Haulcy came away with eight interceptions and 12 pass deflections. He finished his college career with 10 interceptions in total.
“Ball Hawk,” Bynum said of Haulcy. “For sure, one of those safeties that’s going to set the tone. I think 10 interceptions over the course of his career, that’s a lot. So I know he’s going to get the ball and that’s something that I enjoy doing also. So I think us playing together and just with this whole defense, I think he’ll fit in really well and be a tone setter. And that’s what I’ve seen from the highlights I’ve watched. And he reached out to me the other day, and I told him like I’m excited to get to work with him and I know he’s excited to be here.”
Bynum has also showcased his ability to make plays on the ball throughout his NFL career, totaling 12 interceptions and 17 pass breakups over five seasons. The potential one-two punch of Bynum and Haulcy patrolling the middle and deep portions of the Colts’ secondary could present a major challenge for opposing offenses.
To go along with Haulcy’s ball production, he also brings a versatile presence to the Colts’ secondary as well. The flexibility this gives Lou Anarumo, especially when paired with Bynum, who can fill a variety of roles as well, allows the Colts’ defensive play caller to disguise coverages and tailor game plans.
In addition to Haulcy, the Colts also have Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler all vying for playing time. Haulcy will have to earn his starting role, but Bynum believes the competition will help elevate his play and the play of the safety room as a whole.
“I think that’s something I went through early in my career after my rookie year,” Bynum said of competing for playing time. “Had a good rookie year, and for me, they drafted a first-round safety. So, I know I had to go compete, and it only made me better. So, I think, the competition in the room, whether it’s a corner, a nickel, in our position at safety, it’s going to make you have to compete. And I think every single person in this locker room enjoys the competition. And especially us as safeties, knowing that we have a lot of depth and everybody is good enough to be able to be a starter.”
Bynum continued, “So it’s fun to be able to have people that you have to compete with and compete against, but also compete with to help us get better as a team, but also individually knowing that there’s other people here and we’re all fighting for one job, so it’s only going to elevate the group as a whole, and it’s it’s friendly competition at the end of the day. We’re all trying to help the team win.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Cam Bynum shares first impression of new Colts’ S AJ Haulcy
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
