Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Josh Betts flew from Indianapolis to Cleveland on Tuesday, July 15, to participate in a golf outing for his agent. This weekend, Betts will travel to Charlotte, N.C., for a friend's wedding.

That should be the end of his leisure travels until 2009.

On July 24, Betts will report to his third training camp with the Indianapolis Colts hoping to work more with the first team in practice as a result of Peyton Manning's knee surgery, which is expected to keep the Colts' starting quarterback out four to six weeks.

Betts, the former Vandalia Butler High School and Miami University QB, has one year of eligibility remaining on the practice squad, which makes this season even more important for the newlywed with the big body, strong arm and quick retention of the playbook.

Since last season, Betts married his longtime girlfriend from Miami, Kristy Tamaska (stepdaughter of Centerville High School football coach Ron Ullery), honeymooned for two weeks in Hawaii and appeared across Indiana for the Colts.

In between, Betts has worked with Colts backup quarterback Jim Sorgi at the team facility watching film and studying.

Just how big is the Colts' notorious playbook?

"It's hard to explain because there are a lot of intricacies and a lot added over the past couple years," Betts said. "We have what the coaches are putting into training camp, which might not be as much as we get into the year. Once we're into the season, we're changing, we're seeing different defenses."

Which is why there are long days and late nights in the Colts' facility.

"When we do go out," Betts said, "we try to go golfing."

But because of Manning's knee surgery to remove an infected bursa sac, Betts should see extra repetitions in practice and extra time in the Colts' five preseason games.

Known for the velocity on his passes with the RedHawks, Betts has the physical tools to play in the NFL, said Miami coach Shane Montgomery.

"If they've been as impressed with him as I understand they have, more chances can only help him," Montgomery said. "He's not just a good player physically; he's very smart."

He's also entering his third season with the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2006. With his practice-squad time running out, the next six weeks are even more crucial for Betts.

"The preseason games are extra important," Betts said. "You want to play well when you get the opportunity, because you're playing for yourself and your team but also so other teams can see what you do."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389

or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com

.