Hester flashes trademark speed at Bears minicamp

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – It’s easier to stump Devin Hester than to keep him out of the end zone.

At least that’s the way it appeared after the electrifying All-Pro delivered another dazzling individual effort during Saturday’s minicamp practice at Halas Hall.

Hester provided the highlight of the workout by tracking down a deep Kyle Orton pass that appeared to be overthrown with a superhuman burst. Later, the dynamic third-year pro was asked to recall the last time a quarterback threw a pass beyond his reach.

After pausing for a moment, Hester said with a smile: “I can’t even remember.”

Hester flashed his big play ability last season, catching touchdown passes of 81 yards against the Vikings and 55 yards versus the Saints. His instructions to the quarterback are simple.

“Whenever we get a deep ball, I tell him to just throw it as far as he can and hopefully I’ll be able to run it down,” Hester said. “That’s what we work hard on every day.”

Hester is trying to prove that he’s more than just a deep threat. Entering his second season as a NFL wide receiver, he’s working primarily on route timing during offseason workouts. 

“That’s the most important thing,” said Hester, who caught 20 passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs last season. “The NFL is all about timing and being at the right spot at the right time.”

With his comfort level on offense at an all-time high, Hester is determined to win a starting job.

“If you’re a receiver and you don’t feel that way, then you don’t deserve to be out here on the field,” he said. “You get better by competing, and that’s what I’m out here doing. When the season kicks off, hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to be one of the [starters].

“It’s all about competing, and right now the position is wide open. The best two are going to step up and play.”

(chicagobears.com)