Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu warms up during rookie minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis on May 11.

WESTFIELD – Laiatu Latu’s first one-on-one rep Friday was heavily anticipated, albeit by a small audience.

With the Indianapolis Colts practicing indoors for the first time this summer, the crowd was limited. And the defense was practicing away from the “main” field, meaning many in the audience couldn’t see the drill.

Still, there was a buzz when the rookie defensive end lined up opposite left tackle Bernhard Raimann for the first time in an individual matchup.

The two did not disappoint.

Latu showed his incredible burst off the line of scrimmage and appeared on his way to an early victory. But Raimann recovered and guided the 23-year-old wide at almost the last second.

The quarterback definitely would have been extremely uncomfortable in the pocket, but the rep went to Raimann.

Latu wasn’t so constrained on his second rep, a two-on-two tandem with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner against right tackle Blake Freeland and right guard Will Fries.

The defensive tag team collapsed the right side of the pocket, a show of dominance that surely would lead to a sack in live action.

It was impossible not to dream of how the Buckner-Latu tandem might look lined up together during the regular season.

“I told them they’re gonna have to switch that,” defensive tackle Grover Stewart said, “’cause they’re gonna slide the whole offensive line.”

That might only be a slight exaggeration.

It’s still early, and training camp reps always should be taken with a grain of salt.

But Latu has impressed in just about every way available to him so far this summer.

He’ll be among the most closely watched players when the preseason begins Aug. 11 against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Until then, fans will have to rely on the glowing endorsements of the rookie’s teammates and coaches.

“Man, that’s a guy – he’s got the drive to keep going and going,” Stewart said. “I was like, ‘Man, just watch this guy.’ Like I’m talking about bending – and he’s just got a high motor.”

Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson got another first-hand look at Latu during the first-team offense’s first two-minute drill Friday.

On third down, Latu crashed through the offensive line for a “sack” to end the series.

Speed has been an obvious attribute for the young defensive end in the early going.

“Man, he keeps you honest,” Richardson said. “You can’t just pull the ball (on a run-pass option) expecting to get outside as easily as it should be. But he’s a great player, great young player.

“It keeps me honest when I’m on a zone read. So it lets me know I’ve got to be a lot smarter when he’s out there.”

Head coach Shane Steichen was simple and efficient in his praise – while keeping an eye on the future.

“He’s doing some really good things out there,” Steichen said. “He’s rushing the passer really well right now. We’ve got to keep that going.”

RICHARDSON WATCH

After an 8-for-13 day that included an interception by safety Julian Blackmon, Richardson is 37-of-55 with three touchdowns and two interceptions at the halfway point of training camp. He’s also been “sacked” nine times.

Off the field, the quarterback is about to get a much higher profile in Indianapolis. He’s one of three players whose images were added to the façade of the downtown J.W. Marriott on Friday. Running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. are the others.

“That’s definitely cool,” Richardson said. “I appreciate the city embracing me. It means a lot to me. It lets me know I’m doing something right and I’ve got a lot of support behind me. So I’m thankful for it.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (calf), tight end Will Mallory (hamstring), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (hip), cornerback Ameer Speed (undisclosed) and linebacker Cameron McGrone (undisclosed) did not participate in Friday’s practice.

Defensive end Titus Leo (knee) returned after being carted off the field at the end of Tuesday’s practice.

NEXT PRACTICE

“Give Back Sunday” practice is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and last until 5:30.

Colts City will be open from 2 to 6 p.m.

Admission is $5 for fans 18 and older. Children will be admitted free.

Tickets must be downloaded at Colts.com/camp.