[CBFF] CB - Speedy Currie shines in Bears' first OTA practice

[Jim Ferolie]

Speedy Currie shines in Bears' first OTA practice
      May 24, 2006
      By Larry Mayer
     

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Conducting the first of 14 organized team activity (OTA) practices, the Bears kicked off the latest phase of their offseason program with an impressive aerial show Wednesday at Halas Hall. 
Speedy second-year wide receiver Airese Currie was the star of the day, catching two passes deep down the left sideline from Rex Grossman and hooking up with Kyle Orton on a slant. 

"He's the fastest guy on our team and we had a chance to see that," said coach Lovie Smith. "I think that he could come onto the scene strong. It was good to see him get a start like that." 

Currie, a 2005 fifth-round pick from Clemson, missed his entire rookie year due to injuries. After opening the season on the non-football injury list while recovering from foot surgery, he pulled one hamstring in early November and then the other three weeks later. 

"I was real anxious," Currie said after Wednesday's practice, "but I wasn't too anxious like I was last year. A couple of the vets told me to take a little bit of time, don't do too much and just practice. 

"The main thing is staying healthy and that's what I'm really trying to concentrate on. But I still want to get some work done also." 

Currie accomplished that objective Wednesday, beating Pro Bowler Nathan Vasher and rookie Devin Hester deep on similar plays. 

"With the speed they say I've got, that's what they expect me to do," said Currie, a track star at Clemson. "I just want to go out there and show coaches that I can do that." 

Currie wasn't the only Bears receiver who looked sharp Wednesday. Justin Gage caught every pass thrown in his direction, Bernard Berrian made plays down the field and converted cornerback Rashied Davis displayed quickness and good hands. 

"I think we're going to be able to find a good complement to (Muhsin Muhammad)," Smith said. "There are a couple of guys who we really feel good about receiver-wise." 

While the Bears have been criticized for not drafting a tight end, the position looked like anything but a weakness Wednesday as Desmond Clark, John Gilmore and Gabe Reid all made excellent catches while surrounded by defenders. 

"Des Clark is a good football player," Smith said. "This is the best condition he's been in since he's been here. He's done everything we've asked him to do. We're fine with Des. 

"I think what will help our passing game a lot too is our No. 2 receiver stepping up. I think we're going to have a big jump at that No. 2 position, which should help everyone." 

Other highlights of Wednesday's practice included defensive end Adewale Ogunleye batting down an Orton pass, Hester stripping the ball from Berrian after a reception and Robbie Gould drilling a 58-yard field goal with a strong wind at his back. 

While the majority of players on the Bears roster attended the voluntary practice, two notable exceptions were running back Thomas Jones and linebacker Lance Briggs. 

"To me, right now it's about us putting our best football team on the field," Smith said. "In order to do that, we need everyone here practicing. They're not here. That's hurting our ball squad to have two of our guys not here. I know there's business and it's volunteer workouts, but to me when the rest of your team is doing something, we need all of the team. 

"To be a part of that you need to be here. We're disappointed they're not here, but at the same time we're getting a chance to see some other players. Someone has to take those reps, so this is a great opportunity for (running back) Cedric Benson and a great opportunity for (linebackers) Rod Wilson, Jamar Williams, guys like that to step up." 

The Bears will conduct their second OTA Thursday. They will then hold a full squad minicamp June 2-4 before resuming OTAs Monday through Thursday June 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22. 

The sessions are all closed to the public. 

NFL teams are allowed to designate 14 days for OTAs with players permitted to be present for as many as six hours overall with a maximum of two hours on the field. 

Offenses and defenses can practice against one another in 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. But live contact and pads other than those worn to protect elbows and knees are prohibited.