Demontre Hurst Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
We at Bear Goggles On have decided to count down the days until the Chicago Bears’ regular season opener on September 13th against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As of today, there are 30 days until the big day, giving us a reason to give you a profile on #30, Demontre Hurst.
Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst was undrafted out of Oklahoma and signed by the Bears in 2013. He was released and signed several times by the team before landing on the Bears’ practice squad. He made his NFL debut as a special teamer in 2014’s season opener against the Bills.
His playing time increased, however, and his role was expanded after the release of Isiah Frey last season and he finished 2014 with 39 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
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Hurst has shown that he is not afraid to come up and help with run support despite his smaller size. He also possesses fast hands to knock away passes, and works hard to rip out the ball as the receiver tries to rein it in.
However, he is small and has tended to get overpowered by larger more physical receivers. He also has had a tough time getting off blocks at times when attempting to make a tackle. Hurst played hard, but struggled in coverage as the nickelback.
2015 Outlook
Tim Jennings, Kyle Fuller and Alan Ball all seem to be locks at corner. However, with Vic Fangio’s new defense, there
Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst (30) breaks up a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Damarr Aultman (87) during the second half in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
will be more reliance on man coverage and there are rumors that Tim Jennings will be moved to nickelback for that reason. This may be detrimental to Hurst’s standing with the team.
On the most recent depth chart, Hurst is shown as the 3rd string safety behind starter Brock Vereen and rookie Adrian Amos, but he will be competing with players at both positions to find a spot on the roster.
It appears that the coaching staff is not confident that Hurst can be the full-time nickelback and this will be an important preseason for Hurst. Veteran Tracy Porter can play inside at nickelback as well as outside and his signing in June further signaled the discomfort that the team has with their current situation, which includes Hurst.
Undrafted free agent Bryce Callahan has also gotten some praise and Sherrick McManis will also be some very tough competition as he has shown value on special teams. Callahan, McManis, Al Louis-Jean and Terrance Mitchell seem to be his biggest competition seeing that the Bears will most likely only keep 4 safeties.
I think the season will start with Vereen, Mundy, Amos and Rolle at safety. At corner, behind Jennings, Fuller and Ball we will see McManis, Louis-Jean and Porter; leaving Hurst on the ouside looking in.
It will be fun to see how it plays out but until then…BEAR DOWN!
Next: Antrel Rolle Days Until the Bears Season Opener