Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu runs a drill during rookie mini-camp practice on May 11 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.

WESTFIELD — Laiatu Latu was in the offensive backfield in an instant.

Racing past left tackle Bernhard Raimann, the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie defensive end bore down on quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Because it’s still training camp — and because Richardson is wearing a red non-contact jersey — Latu veered away from the passer at the last second and allowed the play to continue.

But there’s something inside the 15th overall draft pick that won’t allow him to ever truly quit on a play.

Moments later, when Richardson gained a respectable amount of separation, Latu pursued the quarterback again.

It was a clear example of what the team sees as one of the 23-year-old’s greatest traits — a relentless motor — and it came during his first professional practice in full pads.

“You watch all these rushers in the (2024) draft and they’re all talented, but his motor that he had after plays — you could see it,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “You know what I mean? Even if he gets around the edge and the quarterback steps up, boom, he is turning and running and trying to go get him. That’s what really stood out to me about him (during the draft process) was his relentless effort.”

Latu was on center stage Tuesday at Grand Park Sports Campus, and he delivered as the star of the 75-minute session.

In addition to his “sack” of Richardson during 11-on-11 drills, Latu terrorized the tackles lined up against him — Jake Witt and Blake Freeland — in one-on-one work.

The rookie’s burst off the edge might be the most notable trait on first impression, with his motor following soon thereafter.

But Latu also possesses a seemingly infinitely evolving arsenal of pass rush moves, and his work with his hands resembles a ninja.

The latter skill was on display in the one-on-one battles. On both reps, Latu used his burst to get into the offensive tackle almost immediately. And once he had a hand in the tackle’s chest, the rep was over.

With lightning-quick efficiency, Latu moved his would-be blockers out of the way and made a bee-line for the quarterback.

The result — and the method by which it was obtained — came as little surprise to onlookers who have followed Latu’s progression since the NFL Draft.

“His hand talent is amazing,” defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis said. “I mean, he’s efficient when it comes to hand fighting. You can tell he’s been working on that for quite a while — very efficient with that.”

There were more eyes than usual on Latu for two main reasons.

First, coaches and players alike await the opening practice in full pads each season like elementary school children longing for Christmas to arrive. Every evaluation of a young player prior to that date is always accompanied by the caveat “wait till the pads come on.”

Second, Samson Ebukam’s season-ending Achilles’ tendon injury — suffered during Sunday’s practice and confirmed Monday — means Latu might need to make an impact for Indianapolis even sooner than expected.

His approach didn’t change much when the pads came on, and he’s been working with the mindset of earning a starting job since he was drafted. So Latu said the day didn’t feel much different to him than any other.

But he will miss Ebukam’s veteran presence on and off the field.

“That’s my big bro,” Latu said. “Pre-draft, after draft, pre-practice and all that stuff, he’s really been helping me and being a big brother to me, working on my get off, working on difficult stuff like that, learning from him, watching film on him.

“So I’m just trying to carry what he already provided to the team, and I’m trying to do that, too, so that helps everybody. I know we miss him a lot. He’s in my prayers. I sent him a text, and I’m hoping I can see him after this (practice), too.”

Raimann hasn’t gotten a long look at Latu yet. Tuesday’s full team drills marked the first time the rookie’s gotten significant work against the first-team offense.

But the left tackle has heard nothing but good things from his defensive teammates about Latu off the field.

On it, Raimann sees a defender who can make an immediate impact.

“He’s impressive,” Raimann said. “He seems to fit right in with the defense. He’s quick. He’s physical. He fits the run game. It’s hard to block him in the run game because he’s so twitchy, and seeing him in pass pro as well, you got to be — you’ve got to bring your ‘A’ game against him.”

Latu takes such plaudits in stride.

He’s obviously happy to be making a good first impression, but that incessant motor won’t allow him to stand still for long.

Like a shark, Latu is always moving forward with the steely resolve of an alpha predator.

“I’ve been treating every day like it’s a game rep,” Latu said. “Obviously being safe around people, but I’ve been treating every day like a game rep. It’s just another day with pads on. I’m out there doing my thing.

“I think I’ve been proving myself every day that I can be out there with (starters) Buck (defensive tackle DeForest Buckner) and Z (linebacker Zaire Franklin) and all those guys.”