Countdown to Kickoff… Sherrick McManis Days Until Kickoff

Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Leon Washington (33) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive back Sherrick McManis (27) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Seahawks beat the Bears 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

We decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals.  Thanks to one of our Twitter followers, we decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.

We’re Sherrick McManis days until the start of the Chicago Bears season.  Get to know the backup cornerback and special teams contributor and see if he has a chance to make the 53-man roster.

The Bears traded fullback Tyler Clutts to the Houston Texans for McManis just before the start of the 2012 season.  In the offense Mike Tice was going to run, he didn’t need a traditional fullback and H-back Evan Rodriguez was going to hold down that role in the Bears offense, so the Bears felt they could trade Clutts for McManis to bolster their special teams.

McManis was drafted out of Northwestern by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2010 draft.  He was mostly used as a special teamer with the Texans, even returning a few kicks.  For the Bears, he’s been used primarily on their coverage and return units, even blocking a punt that was scooped up by fellow Wildcat Corey Wootton for a touchdown.

For 2013, McManis is penciled in as one of the backup corners and special teams contributor, but some of the youngsters will push him for that spot if they have more upside on defense.  I’m talking about Zack Bowman, CJ Wilson and Demontre Hurst to name a few.

Other notable 27’s in recent Bears history include current Bear Major Wright, who wore it briefly, running backs Kevin Jones and Lewis Tillman, and cornerbacks Walt Harris and ’85 Bear LA Mike Richardson.

We’re less than 4 weeks away.  Are you ready???

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