Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker is best known for his incredible range as a single safety in the defensive backfield, but he is also showing some improvements in making plays against the run.

The third-year safety is finally healthy, and the Colts haven’t been afraid to expand his role in the defense. Though he’s typically the deep pass deterrent, Hooker has also been making some plays close to the line of scrimmage.

It’s an aspect of his game that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has taken notice of.

“The last two weeks he’s really been quick (and) been physical reading his keys. You’re seeing it the right way there,” Eberflus said of Hooker. “He’s done a nice job the last couple of weeks. He’s just got to keep stacking games together.”

The Ohio State product made some strong plays against the run during the team’s heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9. What was impressive was his ability to get into the backfield and either make a tackle for loss or keep the run at the line of scrimmage.

Eberflus hinted that this is a by-product of the Colts giving Hooker more assignments near the line of scrimmage.

“We’ve always had him back there and that’s what he was kind of sold as, per se, when we first got here. We kept looking at him and said, ‘Okay, well he can match up on certain tight ends in coverage, but let’s ask him to do some more. Let’s ask him to do a little bit more in terms of that,’” said Eberflus. “And he’s bought into that in terms of the run fits, in terms of forcing the run and the job that you have when you’re down there. He’s done a solid job of that.”

Hooker has always been a strong defender against the pass but if he can continue to make plays against the run, he could quickly become one of the league’s most well-rounded safeties.