[jwplayer HIrwpJUy-ThvAeFxT]
This offseason the Chicago Bears signed arguably one of the best defensive players from the Canadian Football League (CFL) in cornerback Tre Roberson to the largest CFL deal with a two-year, $1.5 million contract.
Roberson spent two years in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders. In the last two years, Roberson hasn’t missed a game, recorded 10 interceptions, two touchdowns, two force fumbles and 95 tackles. The 2019 CFL All-Star would help the Stampeders win the 106th Grey Cup in 2018.
It seems that everyone is ready to rule second-round pick Jaylon Johnson as the starting cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller, but Bears defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend has some optimism for the 27-year old.
“The plays that he was able to make in Canada, those are things that are natural, those are things that you can’t teach,” Townsend said during a video call with the media. “For me, I’m excited to get a chance to see him move around, see his natural playmaking ability, and see if I can help mold him.”
Roberson started off as a quarterback in college at Indiana from 2011-13, but he would transfer to Illinois State for 2014-15. With his two seasons as a Redbird, Roberson totaled 48 passing touchdowns, 22 rushing touchdowns, 5,446 yards through the air and 1,806 yards on the ground.
It wasn’t until the Illinois State Pro Day where Roberson switched to cornerback. Roberson did so well that the Minnesota Vikings offered a tryout, then a contract for the preseason roster. Roberson would be released then added to the practice squad before being waived in September.
[vertical-gallery id=449460]
[lawrence-related id=449333,449173,449477,449423,449430]