Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said on May 7 that he is looking forward to seeing what the Indianapolis Colts’ new rookie class can contribute to the team this season. The team selected linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia and safety A.J. Haulcy from Louisiana State University during Day 2 of the draft.
Anarumo said Allen brings talent, passion, and leadership to the Colts, adding that these qualities are expected from someone who played at a top program like Georgia. “He is all about football,” Anarumo said. “(He’s) the old school gym rat and just wants to get better at playing football.”
Allen started as a true freshman at Georgia and over three years accumulated 205 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks while serving as head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s green dot player. Anarumo said his main goal is to help Allen continue developing his skills: “We just want him to be the best version of himself that he can be, and we’ll take it from there,” he said. “He certainly has a skill set to help us out.”
Haulcy was drafted by Indianapolis with pick No. 78 after a four-year collegiate career across three schools in which he recorded 347 tackles, ten interceptions, and four-and-a-half tackles for loss. Anarumo expressed enthusiasm about adding Haulcy’s abilities in speed, athleticism, tackling, and turnovers: “As you saw, the whole group was excited to get him,” Anarumo said. “The guy has speed, athleticism, he’s been a good tackler and takes the ball away.” He also looked ahead to pairing Haulcy with veteran safety Camryn Bynum: “I think that Cam has the ability to do a number of things and hopefully A.J. does as well,” he said. “I’m excited to see what both those guys paired together will be able to do.”
Other rookies joining Allen and Haulcy on defense include linebacker Bryce Boettcher (Oregon), defensive end Caden Curry (Ohio State), and defensive end George Gumbs Jr. (Florida). As preparations for the upcoming season continue, Anarumo emphasized having many young players with speed on defense.
