The Indianapolis Colts drafted Dayo Odeyingbo with the 54th pick in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Vanderbilt University. 

During his rookie season, Odeyingbo never felt like his true self while easing back into football activities after tearing his achilles before being drafted in 2021. 

• 2021:
  0.5 Sack, 1 QB Hit, 6 Total Tackles

Heading into the 2022 season, Odeyiingbo fully recovered from his torn achillies. And he was able to stay healthy the entire season as he appeared in all 17 of the Colts' games during the 2022 season, which would lead to a ginormous increase in production. 

• 2022:
  5.0 Sacks, 11 QB Hits, 31 Total Tackles 

I recently had the opportunity to speak one on 1 with Dayo Odeyingbo, who is entering his 3rd-year In the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. We discussed last year's crazy year, the new identity he's noticed with the Colts, and more. 

Q: We are entering year 3 for you, Dayo, how does this team feel different than years past?

Dayo: I definitely feel that there is a certain energy, a certain chippiness around the team. Coming into my first year, they (the Colts) were coming off a playoff loss. Which is a different situation, losing a coach coming in with a new coach, and everyone is fighting for their spot. Everyone is playing with a chip on their shoulder, everyone has something to prove.  

Q: Not many players will ever experience a season like you did last year. What was it like from your perspective, seeing a change at head coach and multiple changes at quarterback during the season?

Dayo: With any change, you have to focus on controlling what you can control. For me, I focused on doing my job every week, and being better on Sunday than the week before. I feel like that's the best thing you can do when things around you keep changing like we saw last season.

Q: It feels that your expected role for this season is larger than it has ever been. What is your mindset entering this champ with the starting spot opposite of Kwity Paye up for grabs?

Dayo: Like I said earlier, it's all about controlling what you can control. Showing up and doing what needs to be done to get better. My expectations of myself are higher than anything anyone else can ever have of me.

Q: You've earned quite the fan following online. One specifically that comes to mind is Kennan, aka @VeveJones007, on Twitter (X). How does it feel when you see posts from him and others online supporting you and your career?

Dayo: It's definitely cool to have people that believe in you without even knowing you personally. Through tough times that come with sports in general, a lot of hate and outside noise gets said, so it's good to have someone like him that has good things to say. I definitely see his tweets, I rock with him. It's cool to have someone in your corner like that. 

Q: While the Colts have seen a lot of changes over the past couple of season, the defensive side of the ball has been able to keep a solid core together through it all. Who has been the teammates for you that you've learned the most from so far in your career?

Dayo: Definitely Buck and Grove (DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart). They've been big centerpieces for the team since I've been here. There's for sure been a lot of turnover with players, but those two have been constants for my career. They are always willing to help you get better, when things are tough, they will pick you up and talk you through it by telling you of tough times they've been through themselves. It's been great to get to learn from them on and off the field. They have plenty to teach about being a player but also a man off the field. 

Q: Earlier you mentioned having higher expectations for yourself than anyone else will ever have. What are your personal goals for the upcoming season with the largest role of your career incoming?

Dayo: For me, it comes down to just being the best player I can be. I don't believe in setting strict production goals because you can have a low sack season and impact the game and help the team win, or have a high sack season and hurt the team. Everyone wants to be extremely productive in that category, but for me, it's just about being better than I was last year, and I think I'm on my way to doing just that. I've seen it with my play so far, and can't wait to put it on tape on Sundays. 

Steichen names starter: Offensive Camp Notes

Takeaways from the Colts final practice before their preseason kicks off

Defense wins the day: Defensive Camp Notes

Defensive takeaways from the Colts last practice before their preseason opener

Featured Image By: Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK