INDIANAPOLIS – Pro Bowl practices might not replicate what typical NFL sessions try to accomplish but that didn't stop Duron Carter from watching intently.
Carter's eyes were drawn to the quarterback, taken with the No. 1 overall pick by his dad, Cris Carter.
Andrew Luck's presence amongst the NFL's elite struck a cord with Carter, one that ultimately closed the deal to form a combination that could reap major benefits in 2015 and beyond.
"That was my first time seeing (Luck) and my first time really hearing about him," Carter said of this year's Pro Bowl.
"Even just from my dad, hearing how Andrew handles people in the huddle, and just around the hotel, he's just a great guy. Just to be a part of that and be around him I think will really help me and set my career in motion, where no one else could."
The intrigue of Carter coming to Indianapolis was evident following the announcement on Monday.
The combination of Carter's size (6-5, 205 pounds), pedigree (son of Hall of Famer Cris Carter) and All-Star production in the CFL (124 catches for 1,939 yards and 12 touchdowns the last two seasons) has the fan interest at a heightened level for a normal February roster move.
Ryan Grigson acknowledges Carter's ability to adjust to the ball in air at 6-5, while still having unique “wiggle” ability for a receiver of that stature.
Trying to decipher just how CFL players will translate to the NFL is one of the hardest assessments for personnel people, and what Grigson points to before people begin crowning Carter.
"It's way too early to tell in that regard," Grigson said of how Carter might fit into the Colts offense.
"Despite his CFL production, Duron really hadn't played much football after high school so he has a lot to learn and work on moving forward but the talent, passion and drive is there."
Carter began to get an idea of where he could fit into the Colts explosive offense while taking a closer look at the AFC Championship.
With T.Y. Hilton being hounded by multiple New England defensive backs, Carter saw the chance for potential favorable matchups coming his way.
"I'm sitting there watching the playoff game and I said, 'I felt like I could be out there and I could help in one of those situations,' Carter said.
"Just on an every down basis, me being able to go out there, winning one-on-one matchups when it's called on me. A lot of teams do go man-to-man and pressure Luck, the only way you can beat that, for me, is to win those one-on-one opportunities with T.Y. over there."
Watching Carter play in the CFL, one-on-one matchups spelled doom for opposing defenses.
He now gets the chance to do that at the level he's always been destined for.
Carter has fond memories of presenting his father for Hall of Fame Enshrinement in 2013.
Watching the game's greats in Canton formed a drive in the 23-year old receiver that continually motivates him as he now enters the ideal environment to flourish.
"It's always been my dream to play in the NFL," Carter said on Tuesday morning.
"Through decisions I made prior when I was younger, I hindered that opportunity. Getting into the CFL that was my motivation the whole time, every play, every snap, every catch, was I wanted to go to the NFL. Now that I'm here, my next goal is to make the Colts roster."
