Marcus Harris

Solid defensive effort keys less than dominant Bears' victory in home opener

Practices are hard to watch in real time. A lot happening at different parts of the field and mismatch of 1's, 2's and 3's on the field makes relative competition difficult to track. And no film, so if you're watching the ball, you miss a lot.As a result it's always good to get the staffs inputs on some surprises and standouts thus far given they have the film and the perspective to see everything on an absolute basis:- OLB David Reese: Offensive staff thinks he's going to have a huge year as an Edge Pass Rusher. Confidence and body are at a new level- ILB Teddye Buchanan: Big, long, fast and with great hips. Very effective in pass coverage and blitzing. Poised for a big year and an NFL future- CB Marcus Harris: Natural cover skills, smart, experienced and physical and mostly his elite speed. Can run stride for stride (and then some) with Cal's fastest players, something the Bears have not had in a corner in Wilcox era. Allows the defense to do all kinds of different things when he is trusted to be on an island with the opponents best deep threat- CB Khamani Hudson: Having a great camp, don't be surprised to see him on the field by midseason. Long and with great hips. Does well on the outside against bigger receivers. - RB Kadarius Calloway: Big, very fast and with that great cut back ability. A big play back- WR Tobias Merriweather: The clear Alpha WR on the team. Has taken a big step forward since the Spring. Long and very fast- OT Nick Morrow: More than held his own this Fall. A very good athlete with an ideal frame. Smart, and a fast learner- OT Frederick Williams III: Viewed as a potential first day NFL draft choice. All the skills, has made a huge jump since his Freshman year. Ideal build and length. Has a chance to break into the rotation and see snaps by midseason- OG/C Will McDonald: Not big in stature but plays with an edge. Tough as nails and will hammer you- TE Corey Dyches: Has been uncoverable in red zone 1:1's, can really run. A perfect tandem with Endries- PK Ryan Coe: Been nearly perfect this Camp (only misses on bad snaps/false starts), Can make FGs from 60+. A weapon who can change play calling on 3rd downs outside the 25 yard line

The Bears saw more live action 11v11 than at any time this Spring and one of the two Quarterbacks fighting for the starting role had an edge.