Colts second-round pick J.T. Tuimoloau on training camp, NFL transition

Indianapolis Colts defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (91) speaks with the media after training camp practice at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

WESTFIELD, Ind. – Day 1 of Colts training camp introduced fans to plenty of new faces, including rookie defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau — the Colts’ second-round draft pick whose mindset off the field is just as impressive as his skill set on it.

Tuimoloau made his training camp debut Wednesday and spoke with reporters after practice. Known for his intensity and explosiveness on the field, the former Ohio State standout was calm, humble and introspective as he reflected on his first day in an NFL jersey.

“Man, it was great,” Tuimoloau said. “I don’t know, I was just on the sideline, just thinking like, man, I remember, I dreamt about this as a kid. To finally be out here with an NFL jersey on, and putting my hand in the ground and having that first training camp snap — man, it was honor and blessing.”

Tuimoloau was the No. 1-rated overall recruit in the country coming out of high school, according to 247Sports, and he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship appearance last season — facing off against fellow Colts rookie Riley Leonard. But he says the transition to the NFL has been about blocking out noise and putting in the work.

“Once I got drafted, it was like, man, how quick can I get on the playbook? I gotta get in shape. I gotta critique my skill set, my moves and all the above,” he said. “For me, it was just getting ready for the thing that really matters — training camp and being ready for this season.”

His offseason included some hoops — a sport he was also recruited to play in college.

“I did a lot,” Tuimoloau said. “You know, I wanted to train in some heat. Went to Dallas and did some basketball to get some cardio in. There's nothing like basketball cardio — hate it and love it at the same time.”

Tuimoloau has been leaning on veterans like DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart to help adjust to the NFL.

“Just being able to learn from them and what they do well — they've been in the league longer than me — so just asking, like, what you guys do to help your body stay in the condition that you want it to be? And, you know, what do you see on the field? So being able to play with them and alongside them and being in the same room — they just give me nothing but knowledge.”

Even with a national title appearance and second-round pick status, Tuimoloau says he’s starting fresh — and knows he has to prove himself all over again.

“I'm excited because, I mean, it shows how much more hungry are you?” he said. “You know, I was going off a national championship and getting drafted — so easy to become complacent. And I remind myself every day — never become complacent. Be where your feet are. And never feel you got it figured out, because there's always room to improve and room to grow in every area.”