Bears put Illinois players under microscope

**little bear** · 03-17-2011, 05:21 AM

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,2308523.story

Staff contingent visits pro day for look at Liuget, Leshoure and Wilson

CHAMPAIGN — The Bears haven't traveled to the Illinois campus like they did Wednesday for the school's pro day since 2002, when they spent a season at Memorial Stadium.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, director of player personnel Tim Ruskell and running backs coach Tim Spencer led a contingent of six coaches and scouts on hand for a close look at defensive tackle Corey Liuget, running back Mikel Leshoure and linebacker Martez Wilson, possible first-round draft picks. Thirty NFL teams were represented with Jets coach Rex Ryan and Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell also on hand on a big day for a program coming off a 7-6 season.

Marinelli put Liuget and defensive end Clay Nurse through positional drills, and Liuget was explosive.

"It was a very solid, good workout," Marinelli said.
The Bears need to add a starter and some depth for the interior of the defensive line through free agency or the draft. Marinelli indicated the team would like to re-sign nose tackle Anthony Adams, but a replacement for Tommie Harris would be nice and Liuget projects to be three-technique tackle or an end in a 3-4 scheme like the Jets run.

Liuget's goal is to be drafted in the top 15, but he has been linked to the Bears in some mock drafts and was thrilled to work with Marinelli.

"Seeing him out there coaching me was like, 'Wow, this is insane,'" Liuget said. "For one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL to be here showing me drills and telling me what to do, it was great."

Leshoure had a long chat with Spencer before doing positional drills. He's not worried about teams with star backs overlooking him.

"In the NFL now you need a tandem," he said. "One power back taking 20, 30 carries a game, that adds up over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if a team with a star back now was to scoop me up."

Also working out were guard Randall Hunt, outside linebacker Nate Bussey, wide receivers Eddie McGee and Jarred Fayson, cornerback Travon Bellamy, safety Antonio Gully and punter Anthony Santella.

**soulman** · 03-17-2011, 10:56 AM

Glad they're spending some serious time looking at Liuget. If he's still there I really think that he's the guy at the top of the Bears board and that's who JA nabs. I suppose Spencer was asked to work Leshoure out to give him something to do. There's less than a zero chance he'll last until the end of the second.

**soulman** · 03-18-2011, 05:27 PM

With three kick ass players like these guys how did the Illini have such a mediocre year?

**little bear** · 03-19-2011, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by soulman

With three kick ass players like these guys how did the Illini have such a mediocre year?

Because they don't have a real #1 WR and their offensive line can't protect the QB. Nathan Scheelhaase shined in the latter part of the 2010-2011 season with impressive performances against Purdue, Michigan and Baylor (bowl game) but was sacked 22 times.

**soulman** · 03-19-2011, 08:52 AM

Thanks LB. We don't get Illinois games out here very often so I can't follow them.

**Dagan81** · 03-19-2011, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

With three kick ass players like these guys how did the Illini have such a mediocre year?

This one is easy, Paul. Illinois has a terrible head coach by the name of Ron Zook. Every program that he's ever coach has underachieved, with the exception of 2007, when Zook led the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl against USC. He was the head coach at the University of Florida from 2002 through 2004, where he never won an SEC Championship after the foundation that had been laid by Steve Spurrier had been set, and he lost two of three games to Tennessee after Spurrier thoroughly dominated the series from 1990-2001. He averaged losing five games per season at Florida, and Athletic Director Jeremy Foley was thus compelled by the media, fans, and wealthy alumni to cut bait and to terminate his contract. After Zook was fired, Urban Meyer was hired and returned Florida to the summit of college football. Zook then was hired on at the University of Illinois to serve as its head football coach, where he has never managed to break through and produce a really excellent team.

**soulman** · 03-20-2011, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by Dagan81

This one is easy, Paul. Illinois has a terrible head coach by the name of Ron Zook. Every program that he's ever coach has underachieved, with the exception of 2007, when Zook led the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl against USC. He was the head coach at the University of Florida from 2002 through 2004, where he never won an SEC Championship after the foundation that had been laid by Steve Spurrier had been set, and he lost two of three games to Tennessee after Spurrier thoroughly dominated the series from 1990-2001. He averaged losing five games per season at Florida, and Athletic Director Jeremy Foley was thus compelled by the media, fans, and wealthy alumni to cut bait and to terminate his contract. After Zook was fired, Urban Meyer was hired and returned Florida to the summit of college football. Zook then was hired on at the University of Illinois to serve as its head football coach, where he has never managed to break through and produce a really excellent team.

Thanks Dags. Maybe Illinois should bring back Ron Turner, LOL.

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