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Getting to Know: Dusty Dvoracek
By: Beth Gorr
Date: May 9, 2006
Dusty Dvoracek brings both attitude and passion to the field. The defensive tackle should provide healthy competition on the interior of the line, which is arguably the deepest position on the team.
Although there were some character questions concerning Dvoracek prior to the draft, both Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo are satisfied that the 6-foot-3 305-pounder from Oklahoma has put his problems behind him and is ready to progress to the NFL and contribute to the Bears in a positive manner.
A well-regarded and productive force during his college career, Dvoracek is similar in size and overall potential to current Bear and Oklahoma alum, Tommie Harris, a player who Dvoracek knows well and has modeled himself after. Dvoracek will be seeing familiar faces around Halas Hall this year. In addition to Harris and WR Mark Bradley, the Bears also drafted Sooner teammate FB J.D. Runnels.
Dvoracek is a native of Lake Dallas Texas where he enjoyed All-Region II 3-A and first-team All-District honors. As a strong side DT in 2003 for Oklahoma, Dvoracek was an All-Big Twelve first team selection with 40 tackles, seven sacks and sixteen stops for losses in fourteen games.
In 2005 Dvoracek lead the nation’s interior linemen with 18 stops for losses, 4 sacks, and 44 tackles. He started 27 or 49 games for the Sooners and had a total of 136 tackles during his college career.
Dvoracek was a business management major at Oklahoma and plans to go into the area eventually.
What was draft weekend like for you: I was a little bit nervous. I ended up playing paint ball for a while with my brother and some of my friends just to pass the time. We watched a little bit of it on television but it was hard for me to just sit there. Luckily, my phone rang not too long after the paint ball game was over. I heard from the Bears about thirty minutes before I officially got drafted.
What was your reaction to being chosen by Chicago: I was real happy about it. With Tommie there, I knew somebody on the team already. I had heard about his experiences and I felt it would be a good fit for me.
What do you think you can contribute to the Bears: I have intense desire to play the game and I am confident in my skills. I’m very competitive and understand how to use my strength to my advantage. I’m explosive and quick for my size. And most of all, I always want to win.
What are you going to do with your signing bonus once you receive it: I’m not sure yet but I plan to put most of it in the bank. Finding a place to live close to the Bears facility is also a priority for me.
When did you feel you could make it into the NFL: Junior year Tommie Harris and I spent a lot of time together working on my techniques. I felt that I could put it all together in a way that would make me a desirable draft prospect in the NFL.
How do you like it so far: It’s been a blur of activity since we got to Lake Forest. Our days began at around 6 in the morning and went until late at night. It was a very intense weekend. There’s a lot to learn but I’m enjoying every minute.
What are your goals as a player: Well, to start of course, and as quickly as possible. I want to make a positive impression on the coaches as far as what I’m able to do on the field.
Do you find it’s easier to have fellow Oklahoma players on the team: Absolutely. Tommie’s been helping me out and giving me suggestions on how to ease the transition from college to the pros. Having J.D. around is a real positive as well. We have played together for a while already. It’s comfortable to see familiar faces, much better than coming in here and going it alone.
Do you have any plans for after football: I try not to think that far ahead at this point because I hope to have a long football career ahead of me. I think that along the way though some business opportunities will present themselves. The better my career in football, the more chances I’ll have to do interesting things once I’m done with the game.
What are you working on right now to improve your level of play: Pad level pass rushing. No matter how good you are overall, that’s something that can always use improvement. I’m also trying to be more effective with my hands.
What do you think will be the most difficult part of your transition to the pros: Learning the playbook will be a challenge as there’s so much in it, and the speed of the game will be faster than at the college level. But other than that, football is football pretty much across the board. I look forward to doing what I already do well, but at the same time, improving enough to be effective in this league.
Did you have any role models while you were growing up: My dad.
When did you first start playing football? When I was seven. I was a big kid with a lot of energy. I really enjoyed the game from the start. Also, football is such a big thing in Texas and in Dallas for sure. I was a huge Cowboys fan and wanted to be just like those players.
Did you participate in any other sports growing up: Yes I participated in baseball, basketball, soccer and I was high school state champion in both shot put and power lifting. Being in so many sports taught me about conditioning and competition.
What was your first job: When I was 12 I was a dishwasher in a restaurant. It was really hard work.
What was your first car: An ‘85 Chevy Silverado. I really liked driving it around town.
Do you have a favorite movie: Braveheart, I like the energy and emotion.
What’s your favorite TV show: Seinfeld.
Do you have time for any hobbies: Sure, I like golf and I also like to watch movies.
Do you have any advice for high school or college athletes who want to make it into the NFL: Work hard, set your goals high, and never give up.
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  If you can't break your nose at it, it ain't a sport.
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Getting to Know: Dusty Dvoracek
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