Terrence Toliver Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

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May 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Terrence Toliver (81) runs a drill during the rookie minicamp on Friday. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Kickoff series last season that we decided to do it again.  In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Bears September 7th season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

On this very same day just a few years ago, we were Sam Hurd days away from the Chicago Bears season opener.  Now, a few years and drug charges later, we’re Terrence Toliver days away instead!  Luckily for the Bears, Toliver hasn’t had any off-the-field problems (besides a police tasing he sustained in 2010) — but more importantly, he’s yet to break into the receiver rotation for the Bears.  Toliver will need to prove his value on special teams in order to remain on the roster as a potential No. 5 wideout.

Tolliver was the No. 1-ranked receiver in the nation coming out of high school in 2007.  He then racked up an impressive college career at LSU and was the team’s leading receiver in 2010 as well as the MVP of the 2011 Cotton Bowl.  Despite the production, the wheels began to fall off during his collegiate career which hindered his eventual NFL status.  A run-in with police and a broken hand contributed to him being an undrafted free agent in 2011.  Since then, Tolliver has played for four different NFL teams and is now on his second stint with the Bears.  At 6-5, he’s got fantastic height to play the position but will need to add some muscle and work on his route running if he hopes to continue his dreams of playing receiver.  Otherwise, special teams will need to be his predominant focus.

Consider Tolliver a Bear for now, but his status should be solidified fairly early on in camp.  The team has several receivers on the roster that will be competing with Tolliver for just a few spots, including newcomers Josh Morgan, Armanti Edwards and Michael Spurlock to name a few.   In the end, Tolliver is still a better option than the aforementioned Hurd or other “famous” No. 81’s, such as Rashied Davis and Ahmad Merritt.

Be on the lookout for our Countdown to Kickoff series as we continue to work our way to the season opener on September 7th.  We’re 81 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???

BEAR DOWN!!!