Thread: Sanzenbachaaaaaa Continues to Impress...............

August 25, 2011
Sanzenbacher continues to shine


By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 8/25/2011 10:39 AM


Undrafted rookie receiver Dane Sanzenbacher has consistently impressed his coaches and teammates since the very first time he stepped on the practice field with the Bears.


Rookie Dane Sanzenbacher is battling to earn a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster.“We like what he’s done since Day 1,” said coach Lovie Smith. “He’s a good football player, a good slot receiver. He has some things that he can do on special teams too.
“He’s done something just about every practice he’s been out here to get our attention. That’s what you want to do if you’re a young player—do something that gets the coaches’ attention. He’s done that and he will have a shot at making our team.”

Sanzenbacher led all Bears wide receivers with four catches for 34 yards in Monday night’s loss to the New York Giants. The 5-11, 180-pounder had a seven-yard reception from Jay Cutler during a two-minute drill at the end of the first half.

“He’s impressive,” Cutler said. “He ran with [the No. 1 offense] early in camp. Once we started putting a lot of stuff in, you could tell he was swimming a little bit, thinking a little bit.
“I think once we get this week kind of hammered down, really get all of the details to him, I think he’s going to be fine. He’s going to be a guy I think we’re going to use a lot hopefully.”

Sanzenbacher was named Ohio State’s MVP and first-team All-Big Ten last season when he led the conference in receiving yards (948) and TD catches (11). But he was not selected in the NFL draft.

Choosing to sign with the Bears over several other teams that had expressed interest in him, Sanzenbacher has excelled despite not getting a chance to participate in the offseason program, which was wiped out by the lockout.

“I’m very pleased with him,” said offensive coordinator Mike Martz. “He’s very quick, changes direction exceptionally well, competes very well. I love his work habits and how well he competes. He’s a quick study in our offense. We’re able to actually use him at three different positions.

"For a rookie to come in and retain all that and do it well is kind of remarkable.”