Fairfield-Echo.com

JOSH BETTS' WEB DIARY

My journey begins

I've begun my journey to make the final roster of the Indianapolis Colts. We started training camp on Sunday and it is everything I expected it would be.

I knew it would be hot. I knew the days would be long. I had an idea the dorm rooms at Rose Hulman Institute would be small. Regardless, so far it has been a great experience.

File photo (enlarge photo) Josh Betts

It is exhausting, both mentally and physically. I expected camp to be grueling. The sun beats down on us and the competition among the quarterbacks is intense, which makes it even more hotter.

Some guys crash immediately at night. When I get to my room after our nightly meetings I study my playbook before I go to bed.

The playbook is huge. Imagine the thickest book you've ever read. If you double it, that is what our playbook is like.

Even though the playbook is bigger than Miami's, I'm going through the same thing that happened when I joined the RedHawks.

When I was a freshman the Miami offense was new to me, just like it is right now with the Colts, so I've done this before. Studying the playbook every night is not exciting, but it is what I have to do to make the team.

While other guys are sleeping and hanging out, I'm

studying to get a better grasp of the offense. I have to study the playbook to understand the intricacies of the offense and prepare for practice. Because practicing well will help me make the team.

I've only been in our offense for three months so the coaches don't know what I can do. Every rep I get in practice is extremely important to me. One impressive throw can help me make the team, while one bad throw can hurt my chances. It's tough not to think about it, but that is the situation I'm in.

I wouldn't trade places with anybody because I love to compete.

Former Miami RedHawks quarterback Josh Betts is on the roster of the Indianapolis Colts. His Web site is www.josh-betts.com.