To safety Deon Bush, the best thing about getting selected by the Bears in this year’s draft is that he continues to learn from his mentor from the University of Miami.
“I grew up watching Antrel Rolle, and while he was down here in Miami, I was working out with him,” Bush said Saturday after the Bears drafted him in the fourth round with the 124th overall selection.
“He’s been in the league for a long time, and I want to be in the league for a long time, so there’s a lot to learn from him.
“It’s just great having another player from the ‘U.’ [We are] like a family, like a brotherhood. It’ll be great playing with him.”
Safety has been a long-standing concern for the Bears. Adrian Amos started every game last year as a rookie, but Rolle, who is 33, was limited to seven games because of ankle and knee injuries. Rolle has two years remaining on a three-year contract signed last year.
Bush has the ideal size for a safety at 6-0 and 199 pounds. He had a strong showing at his pro day, which included running the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds.
But Bush also plays with the same oomph as Rolle, a 12-year NFL veteran who was a consensus All-American for the Hurricanes in 2004.
“I take big pride in being a big hitter,” Bush said. “That’s how I like to play the game of football. I like to play tough. I like to put fear in my opponent and that’s a big thing in my game.”
Bush made 103 tackles over his last two seasons at Miami. His coverage skills require work, but he did make four intereceptions and break up 13 passes in college. He also said he played on all special teams for the Hurricanes.
“I feel like I can help out, and I can also be a [substitution] player, try to set the tempo for my team,” Bush said. “I think my play-making is my best attribute as a player.”
