Dexter excited to win games for Bears |
CHICAGO - After focusing on their offense with offensive lineman Darnell Wright in the first round of the draft, the Chicago Bears have selected defensive lineman Gervon Dexter out of the University of Florida with the No. 53 pick.
During his three-year career, Dexter recorded five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in addition to two interceptions. He’s also defended two passes and recovered two fumble recoveries. Dexter performed decently at the NFL Combine with a 4.88 40-yard dash time and a 31-inch vertical jump, as well as a 9-foot 2-inch broad jump. The Bears are greatly in need of defensive playmakers, particularly having the least amount of sacks out of any NFL team last season with 20. He will join the free agent acquisitions that general manager Ryan Poles and Chicago picked up during the offseason, including TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. Dexter is excited to bring his game to the Bears. “I think I can bring the versatility, and wherever my place may be, I’m going to contribute that way and do it to my 100%,” Dexter said. “So, whichever way, I’m looking to compete, looking to get better, win some games for sure.” He is an unusual case, not starting his football career until his junior year of high school. Prior to football, he was playing basketball. However, because he is such an aggressive player, he was often fouled out and thus decided to try a different sport. There were a lot of things that went into his transition. “I was a basketball player,” Dexter said. “I think, yet, my wanting to maximize my potential … as well as my God-given potential. So, just a mix of those things, I think, helped me get to that point as well.” Athletes who played multiple sports in high school are common in football, but starting football so late is not common. Still, Dexter was able to show his athletic prowess very quickly and hopefully will become an essential component of the Bears' defense.
