Colts 2015 Player Preview: Center Brandon Vitabile

One of the biggest and most interesting position battles for the Indianapolis Colts as we approach training camp is the center position.  Khaled Holmes and Jonotthan Harrison are competing for the starting spot, and as of right now it has yet to be determined.  But while those two are competing for the starting spot, that means that the odd man out at the position is undrafted rookie Brandon Vitabile.

Playing collegiately at Northwestern, Vitabile played in 50 career games (starting every game of his career), was a captain for two of those seasons, and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten in two years as well.  Also, in all four years he was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.  In his senior season in 2014, Vitabile was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the best center in college football each year.  He isn't the most athletic player but has good technique, good football knowledge, good awareness of the game, and good leadership that allows him to be a successful player, particularly in pass protection.

The Colts signed Vitabile as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2015 NFL Draft, but the question is how he fits in with the team.  As I already mentioned, Khaled Holmes and Jonotthan Harrison will be competing for the starting spot, while the other will then be the backup.  If Vitabile hopes to make the roster, it would have to be as the third center.  The Colts did keep three centers on the team last year, but that perhaps was more due to injury than it was due to the team's philosophy.  And with depth talent at other spots along the offensive line, the Colts might very well opt instead to keep depth elsewhere along the line and only one backup center.  That would certainly be fine for the team, and then if they are impressed with Vitabile enough he could be an option to be brought back in the case of an injury.  But as far as Vitabile's chances go of making the 53-man roster, it seems pretty unlikely at this point, unless last year repeats itself with other centers getting injured.  Otherwise, it looks as if Vitabile is the odd man out at the center position.