INDIANAPOLIS – We were first introduced to Chester Rogers when a player of much higher stature – a guy named Andrew Luck – threw his name out at the end of a long list of impressive 2016 Colts training-camp participants.

“Don’t forget about Chester from Grambling,” the franchise quarterback said one day.

We could all be forgiven for responding with a collective, “Who?”

But before long, that all changed. And, now, as the Colts prepare to enter the 2017 season, Rogers finds that many more people know exactly who he is.

The promise Rogers showed last season makes him the first of our players to watch as the Colts enter training camp.

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What he’s done

Rogers’ 2016 numbers aren’t staggering: 19 catches for 273 yards and no touchdowns. But you have to view those numbers in context. Rogers, 6-1, 180 pounds, barely made the roster, rising from undrafted free agent from a small college and fourth-string receiver in training camp to one of the 53 men on the final roster.

It was unexpected, to say the least. Rogers was an afterthought at the start of training camp, but through attrition and his constant contributions in practice – he was one of the most consistent receivers in training camp – Rogers earned his spot.

Then came another challenge: actually getting on the field.

When starter Donte Moncrief went down in Week 2 with a shoulder injury, it created an opportunity for the younger receivers. Phillip Dorsett, the 2015 first-round pick, was first on that list. But Dorsett’s inability to establish himself in Moncrief’s absence forced coaches to look elsewhere for help. Rogers got his first real opportunity in London against the Jaguars in Week 4, catching the first two passes of his NFL career. He showed he was up to the task, going on to catch 11 passes in a four-game span.

“It doesn’t matter where they come from, who they are, what their name is,” offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski said. “If they can help you and you can find a role for them, we’re going to get them on the field.”

Why he matters

Wide receiver depth has been an under-the-radar question for the Colts. It’s why General Manager Chris Ballard felt it necessary to sign Baltimore free agent Kamar Aiken to intensify the competition. Moncrief has had a handful of injuries and is entering a contract year. Dorsett has been inconsistent, at best. There’s room for a player like Rogers to emerge and we’re about to find out if he’s able.

The third and fourth wide receiver spots are up for grabs this fall behind Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton and Moncrief. Can Rogers give coaches something to think about?

“There’s a lot of competition and it’s only going to make us better,” Rogers said. “If you shy away from the competition, obviously you’re going to get looked over. I’m looking at it like, may the best man win. Obviously it’s a business at the end of the day. But we’re all trying to get a championship. That’s what it’s all about.”

What to expect

Rogers has positioned himself to maximize this opportunity. By learning each of the team’s different receiver positions – both outside spots and the slot role – he is a player coaches can rely on to play any possible role.

“The offensive coordinator wants us all to be able to switch things around so they won’t be able to double T.Y.,” Rogers said. “When you can do that, the offense is unstoppable.”

If Rogers can build on what he did as a rookie, as well as an impressive offseason performance, there’s no reason he can’t be in the mix to be one of the key reserves at receiver.

He’s already grown so much since Luck referred to him simply as “Chester from Grambling,” why can’t that endure?

“I saw a lot of raw talent and enthusiasm for the game,” Luck said. “When the ball was in his hands, he was doing some special, special things. I think he’s done a great job this offseason in understanding that he can’t just be that to be an NFL player. He’s got to be concise, sharp and crisp with his routes. He’s got to understand the bigger picture and he’s certainly working at it every day. It’s been fun to see him make this progression.”

If that progression continues, Rogers will continue to be a Colts player to watch.

Follow IndyStar reporter Stephen Holder onTwitter andFacebook.