Aug. 1, 2009
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BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – A capacity crowd of more than 6,000 fans showed up at the Chicago Bears’ opening preseason practice Friday, cheering a roster that includes five former Vanderbilt standouts, including new quarterback Jay Cutler.
The opening day practice also drew a sixth prominent Commodore – Head Coach Bobby Johnson.
With the start of Vanderbilt’s preseason camp still a week away, Johnson attended the Bears session as a guest of Chicago Head Coach Lovie Smith and General Manager Jerry Angelo.
With Johnson watching from the sidelines, Cutler dazzled with an array of impressive throws, including several to former Commodore receiver Earl Bennett. Also participating in the practice were former Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams, defensive back D.J. Moore and linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer.
Afterward, the Commodore mentor told a Chicago Tribune beat reporter that he expects big things from the former Vanderbilt duo. “I know Jay likes to throw to him. I think Earl will respond, not only to Jay, but to his second year in the league. He should have been a senior last year. He’s going to get better and better.”
Johnson also enjoyed time with his former pupils before the session. When the practice concluded, the players and Johnson posed for a group photo.
All five former Commodores could play pivotal roles for the Bears this season. Since being acquired during the offseason after an All-Pro season, Cutler has been the talk of Chicago. One year after struggling with back injuries, Williams is projected as a starter at tackle in his second year on the roster. The Bears also envision Bennett as a first-year starter, on the receiving end of Cutler passes. Moore is expect to contend for playing time in the secondary and on special teams. Hillenmeyer, the most veteran of the former Commodores, will compete for a starting linebacker role after missing recent offseason drills recuperating from surgery.
The Vanderbilt head coach also promised to turn the visit into a brief vacation, enjoying Chicago’s Magnificent Mile with his wife, Catherine.