Bears plan for Devin Hester to play bigger offensive role this season

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — When he arrived at Olivet Nazarene University, Devin Hester didn’t know what role coaches had in store for him.

“They haven’t really told us,” Hester said July 30, a day after players reported for training camp.

Now he knows — and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

During the unusually long offseason, Bears coaches evaluated film of the 2010 season and recognized ­Hester wasn’t used enough.

“He played even ­better than I thought he did,” ­offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the Sun-Times. “He’s an outstanding wide receiver. He’s very quiet and understated, and we had trouble getting him the ball, but I don’t foresee that being an issue this year.”

Added coach Lovie Smith, “He’ll be a huge part of the offense.”

In 2010, Johnny Knox had more catches (51), ­receiving yards (960), receiving touchdowns (five) and even offensive snaps (864) than any other receiver. Hester, meanwhile, had 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns. But receivers coach Darryl Drake said the film showed that Hester consistently did what was asked of him.

“[Hester] played so much better than people imagined,” Drake said. “Sometimes you don’t realize some things until you really sit down and you look and see what you asked of him, and he was ­always where he was ­supposed to be.

“He really was our best receiver last year, even though the numbers didn’t show it.”


(suntimes.com)