The plethora of injuries to the Indianapolis Colts defensive line in recent weeks has allowed some of the team's young players such as rookie third-round pick DT Quinn Pitcock to step up and show their stuff. No question Pitcock has seized the opportunity and is proving to the organization that he can play at this level.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle from Piquahas accounted for a number of tackles in the team's last two games. Pitcock showed lots of hustle in those games, running down backs and making the tackle for short gains.

He has also shown his ability to get after the quarterback, penetrating the line of scrimmage and being disruptive.

After a few nagging injuries early in the season and overcoming some rookie hurdles, Pitcock is starting to come around and is making a nice transition into the pros.

"Things have been pretty good so far," Pitcock said. I didn't hit the huge rookie wall, but hit a bunch of mini hills and overcame a lot of them.

"It's a long season but at the same time I'm having fun and playing a lot more. Everyone is faster, strong, a lot of injuries, and you never know when you're going to play. There are a lot of factors and I just love it. I love playing football and glad to be in Indy," he said.

Despite the rookie struggles, Pitcock feels as if he is coming of age quickly by playing more and learning all the veteran tricks of the trade while in the trenches.

"Over the past few weeks, I've gotten more opportunities to give the coaches a chance to see that I can play, and then they started liking my playing. That's just going to help me later on to get more reps when everybody is healthy.

"It was just one of those situations being out early in the year with an injury. It was hard for them to tell how I looked playing against a team so it's really been helpful. I'm just ready to end out the year with a good bang," he said.

The former Ohio State Buckeye is making the most of his opportunity by contributing on defense. As long as Pitcock continues to work hard and stay healthy there's no reason not to believe that he could be a major contributor for the Colts on defense for years to come.

Head coach Tony Dungy is very pleased with the performance of the team's young players and shared his thoughts on so many young guys playing.

"It's been a fun group and you watch guys perform, and to me, that's what it's all about, to see these guys come in and get better and get their confidence. But we have had to rely on a lot of guys and they have come through in big situations in these last five weeks," Dungy said.

The Colts will need to continue to receive strong performances from their youngsters if they have any hope of advancing deep into the playoff because it appears that the road to the Super Bowl goes through New England.

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Pitcock weighs in on the National Championship Game

Q: Will this be an easy game for the Buckeyes?

A: I feel like it's going to be a tough battle, but I feel the Buckeyes are going to pull it out and win. I'm excited to watch the game. I won't be able to go and see the game like I wanted to but I will be rooting for them.

Q: How is this team different from last year's team?

A: Last year I think a lot of the guys there may have taken it for granted being there. I think this year they are really going to take it to heart that they are in a good program and will really take it seriously. It's hard to get that chance to make it to the National Championship.

Q: Who will be the next superstar to come out of Ohio State?

A: Wooo! There are a lot of guys. Probably the big ones that most people think of are James Laurinaitis, Beanie Wells or Malcolm Jenkins. There are just a lot of guys and you never know. It all depends on what organization you're at and you get your chance. Pretty much any one of them could be the next guy.