Colts news: Eric Ebron called an 'explosive athlete' and 'highly intelligent' by Frank Reich

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich is loving what he's seeing from new tight end Eric Ebron.

Since his arrival to the Indianapolis Colts, veteran tight end Eric Ebron has continued to make a strong impression on the team with his ability on the field. This has seen new head coach Frank Reich voice much praise in his direction in the process over the last several weeks.

This was once again the case as Reich spoke quite highly of both Ebron's physical ability on the field and his knowledge of the game, according to Stephen Holder of the Indy Star.

“He’s really smart,” Reich said. “I knew that because we did our homework before he got here. We knew he was a smart player. But he’s like really a highly intelligent football player. And that’s really good because you want to use a guy with the versatility that he has and move him around and call all kinds of things with him. That helps. And he’s an explosive athlete.”

These comments only lend to the belief that the Colts will look to heavily involve Ebron in the offensive game plan next season. There will be a competition at the tight end position for playing time with Jack Doyle, but it appears that the team is high on their offseason addition etching out a significant role in the passing game.

Although he has yet to experience a true breakout year, he is only two years removed from his most productive campaign where he set careers highs across the board with 61 catches for 711 receiving yards and a touchdown. Ebron could be in line to replicate that impact or top it with the opportunity to play alongside Pro Bowl quarterback Andrew Luck, who is expecting to be back on the field by the season opener.

This may just ultimately fall on Ebron's shoulders to take advantage of this huge opportunity that could see him meet the lofty expectations laid out by his head coach.