The Indianapolis Colts decided to make a selection rather than trade out to begin the second round, which led to the selection of former Temple cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
As the team’s first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Colts are hoping Ya-Sin can eventually turn into an impactful starter as a boundary cornerback.
Here are four things to know about the Colts’ new cornerback;
Transferred schools before 2018 season
Before he played for the Temple Owls, Ya-Sin was playing football at Presbyterian College. However, the former Big South program moved from Division I to Division II, which allowed him a free transfer.
Ya-Sin was a two-star recruit out of high school but earned an All-Big South selection in 2017 after starting 11 games at cornerback and recording five interceptions. He set a Presbyterian College record for career passes defended with 24.
The single-digit number at Temple
It has been said there is a tradition at Temple that they grant the nine toughest players on the team a single-digit number. Ya-Sin wore jersey No. 6 in his one season at Temple when he transferred before the 2018 season.
That shows how quickly Ya-Sin proved to his teammates and coaching staff the degree of toughness he has. Competitiveness and toughness are two massive values the Colts place on their defenders, especially when it comes to the cornerbacks.
Ya-Sin’s toughness against the run will allow him to carve out a role quickly both in the cornerback room and on special teams.
Didn’t start playing football until junior year in high school
There are often stories that players started playing the game of football late in their careers. Ya-Sin is one of them as he began playing football in his junior year of high school.
This means Ya-Sin is still working through the nuance of the secondary and the techniques used to succeed. The Colts must feel they can tap into that potential, which includes a high ceiling to be an impact starter on the boundary.
Fit with the Colts
The Colts needed to add some depth to the cornerback room despite having their starters return for the 2019 season. Ya-Sin will be joining a room that consists of Pierre Desir and Quincy Wilson as the boundary corners and Kenny Moore working in the slot.
Should Ya-Sin reach his potential with the Colts, he projects to be a boundary corner that could thrive in press coverage while making a big impact against the run. The upside is high with Ya-Sin, but it is unlikely he will be a starter right away given the development that is needed.
