[CBFF] DH: Bradley says he’s ready to reclaim starting job

[Victor Waldron]

(missed this one the other day)

Bradley says he's ready to reclaim starting job

By Bob LeGere
Daily Herald Sports Writer
Posted Monday, June 05, 2006

When Mark Bradley suffered a torn ACL in his right knee at the end of
October, optimistic predictions had him back on the field for the
start of training camp July 27, although not necessarily at 100
percent.

But Bradley was on the field running pass patterns all weekend at
minicamp, without a limp or the benefit of a brace.

"Hard work always pays off, and I attacked it just like I attack
practicing and game day," Bradley said of his rehab.

"I don't take it lightly. It's a serious matter just to get back on
the field with my brothers. So, overall, I feel good about the
situation — and the knee is doing fine."

Bears wide receivers coach Darryl Drake is pleasantly surprised to
have Bradley back so soon, but he's more concerned with having him
healthy for camp.

"I'd almost rather not see him out there right now, because it's a
long time between now and August," Drake said. "But I'm very pleased
with how he's working. I have to keep him out of there because he
wants to practice every day. (Saturday morning) I said, 'No, you can't
go.'

"But as long as he has that attitude, it's going to work out for him,
and he's going to be hopefully be back (full speed) and ready to go
when the time comes," Drake said.

When Bradley was injured, he had already started four games in his
rookie season. His goal is to be back in the starting lineup soon, and
he is expected to be completely healthy long before training camp
starts.

"I'm starting back from scratch just like I started last year,"
Bradley said. "I'm going to attack it just like I did last year, and
hopefully win a spot back in the preseason."

Drake doesn't see why Bradley won't be back with the first team this season.

"He's got to beat out Bernard (Berrian) and Justin (Gage)," Drake
said. "It's not going to be given to him, but with his work ethic … he
did it before, so why can't he do it again?"