Electrifying Hester impressive in debut on offense - Chicago Bears
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Spending some extra time going over plays on the grease board in offensive coordinator Ron Turner’s office Friday morning paid huge dividends for Devin Hester.
The converted cornerback sparkled in his first minicamp practice as a hybrid receiver/running back, displaying outstanding hands, a knowledge of the scheme and a rare explosiveness that elicited hoots and hollers from excited teammates.
“He’s got a lot of natural ability and I thought he really did well for his first day out there,” said receivers coach Darryl Drake. “When you’re out there the first day, you have a tendency to be a little bit nervous, but I didn’t see any of that out of him.
“He looked like he had been out there for a while. He knew what to do. He was back there telling me what he would do on each play, and that’s so encouraging. He went out there and he relaxed, and that’s all he needs to do. Ron does a great job of putting him in situations he needs to be in and he’ll bring some excitement to what we do.”
Hester caught every pass thrown to him during individual drills without as much as a bobble and later impressed during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, splitting out wide while also lining up in the slot and in the backfield at times.
“It was very exciting when I got a chance to get my hands on the ball a couple more times,” Hester said. “I’m just hoping that we can carry this out throughout the season and I can come in and make a big impact on offense.”
The 2006 second-round draft pick was selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Pro last season as a rookie after setting a NFL record with six combined kick return touchdowns.
“I’m a backyard football player and what I mean by that is I grew up playing everything, street football where you had to play quarterback, receiver,” Hester said. “I’m a Florida-type football player. We go out and just play everything, so I’m thankful that God blessed me with the talent that He did and I’m hoping I can contribute out here on the field.”
Teammates on the offensive side of the ball erupted when Hester flashed his speed and playmaking ability in taking a short slant pass the distance during Friday’s practice.
“He’s just a dynamic player and dynamic individual and he’s a guy that everybody likes,” Drake said, “so everybody’s going to support what he does and get excited when he does it.”
Members of the Bears defense were just as impressed.
Electrifying Hester impressive in debut on offense
Electrifying Hester impressive in debut on offense
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