Bears Training Camp Day 8: 8/3/17

By Ryan Fahey- RFahey@beonair.com


BOURBONNAIS-   To give a lead in into Thursday’s workload, yesterday finally saw the emergence of Bears WR Kevin White stand out yesterday at day 7 of training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Why day 7 you may ask?

Was it because of his WR coach publicly describing his mind set? Could it have been watching his good ‘ol days from his college career at West Virginia?

Regardless of the story you want to believe, this has seem to fuel White, who even tweeted about the drama surrounding the situation, and who has yet to fully make an impact on this team due to injuries, is hoping to put all that aside.

Speaking of returns, offensive guard Josh Sitton made his 2017 training camp debut as well. Sitton yesterday was asked after his day 1 of camp here in ONU if he knew who the best meat smoker on the team was. Let’s just say he’s not the guy with an answer to that.



Now onward to today’s news/notes:

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         As practice was beginning, the lighting siren went off and the team went back into the locker rooms. It was later then announced that the remainder of the day was going to be held in the Birchard Gymnasium. For the most part everything that took place on the inside portion of practice.


Head coach John Fox, when asked about Floyd’s adjustment in year 2: “They’re not thinking…it’s a reaction game… fit certain blocks, fit in coverages… cut loose and let your ability and reaction time set in.”


Adam Shaheen, who arguably is the best TE out of training camp so far, has done well in the eyes of his HC. “He has the makeup, size, length, body type.” Fox happily mentioned. “He’s been impressive and I think he’s got a bright future. For a bigger man, he has really good body control. Has really good feet and hands.”


Fox was also asked about QB Mark Sanchez and if he's still able to play: “I’ve always been impressed with him… high pick coming out of the draft… the way he’s conducted himself.. I think he’s a very valuable asset for us.”



-          After practice concluded, Leonard Floyd spoke about the recovery he was going through and being vocal.  “I feel like I should speak out about. I won’t speak about my injuries again.” When asked about what he’s learned from the veterans? Floyd: “They always give me insight on things… things I can improve on. And as a player I listen to it and go out and do better.”



-          LB Jerrell Freeman spoke about his time in practice: “Understand the communication… take the right steps… and pay attention to detail.”



-         WR Victor Cruz echoed those same thoughts, especially on Cam Meredith. “I can see some flashes… the sky is the limit for him, pay attention to detail. There’s always room for improvement… even when he becomes a 2-3 time pro bowler.” Now that’s a pretty big time statement. So what makes Victor think that he has what it takes to be a pro bowler? “His route running abilities… he’s obviously got the size and strength to do it… his catching abilities are well… this offense suits him well and he’s relished in this opportunity.” Cruz is a veteran WR in the league, and when he speaks, the young receivers listen. Cruz: “It’s weird because when I start talking or whenever I give a coaching point they’re just like (insert awed and shocked face) he’s talking to us! It’s a good feeling… I just want to tell them the right thing.”



Coming off of a 3-13 season, there’s always plenty to talk about with this team, even in light of today’s schedule in Bourbonnais. With today being a light walkthrough for the team here at ONU, nothing much has really changed based on how yesterday went in terms of personnel or injury update. Tomorrow the team is expected to be in pads, a more intense style of practice, and hopefully a much better weather forecast. With tomorrow be a closed practice from the public eye, 1st round of camp in Bourbonnais concludes tomorrow with Saturday being family fest at Soldier Field at 3PM. The team then will have an off day on Sunday, before heading back to the campus of ONU on Monday to resume training camp.



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