Thread: Man in the middle

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/New...?story_id=8837

DeCicco gaining valuable experience in OTAs

Filling in for the face of the franchise even on a temporary basis may seem like a daunting task to some. But Dom DeCicco is relishing the opportunity to practice with the Bears’ No. 1 defense at middle linebacker.
The second-year pro has been lining up in that spot during OTAs while star Brian Urlacher is being held out for precautionary reasons following the knee injury he suffered in last year’s season finale.
“It’s really invaluable just being out there with the [veteran] guys,” DeCicco said. “It makes you want to know your stuff even more because you don’t want to let anybody down. Playing alongside Lance [Briggs] and Nick [Roach], I’ve learned a lot and they’ve been nothing but help.”
The Bears are not concerned about Urlacher being ready to start training camp. Meanwhile, the experience DeCicco is gaining with the No. 1 defense during the offseason program no doubt will greatly benefit his development.
“It will definitely help, mainly just knowing what I’m doing and always running to the football but also making sure I know my assignment every time and don’t make any mental mistakes,” he said.
One of five undrafted rookies to make the Bears’ 53-man roster last year, DeCicco played in all 16 games, finishing second on the team with 17 special-teams tackles. The University of Pittsburgh product excelled even after the offseason program was cancelled in 2011 due to the NFL lockout.
“Losing all of the offseason workouts last year, I think he lost out on some basic fundamentals,” said linebackers coach Bob Babich. “We did move him to middle linebacker part way into training camp. He was playing outside linebacker. So I think this has been really good for him. These reps are quality reps that are just going to help make him better.”
DeCicco laughs when he recalls showing up at training camp last summer and finding himself in a meeting room with veteran superstars Urlacher and Briggs.
“It was really humbling,” DeCicco said. “At first it was extremely tough because you’re watching them on film and you’re watching yourself and you’re trying to compare yourself to them but you really can’t because they’re that good. It’s tough to get used to that. But it makes you want to get that much better just seeing how good they are and where they’re at and learning from them.”
While Babich acknowledges that working side-by-side with Urlacher and Briggs can be intimidating for a rookie, the linebackers coach has been impressed with how DeCicco has approached his job from Day 1.

“He’s been a pro from the first day he arrived here,” Babich said. “Football is very important to him. He’s very attentive in the meetings and he’s doing everything he can within his power to be the best player that he can be.”
DeCicco, who is trying to make the same transition as Urlacher from college safety to NFL linebacker, greatly appreciates how his famous teammate has treated him.
“He’s been awesome,” DeCicco said. “He’s been great the whole time I’ve been here. Anytime I need something or he sees something I’m doing wrong, he lets me know. Anything I ask him he’s more than willing to talk to me and help me out as much as he can.
“To be half the player Brian is would be awesome. He’s just someone to look up to. He’s a great leader. The way he gets respect from everybody is unbelievable. It’s something really admirable.”


Dom DeCicco finished second on the Bears with 17 special-teams tackles last season.