Hyppolite II turning heads in bid for Bears' LB3 role

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 8 hours ago

CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears have an opening for their third linebacker position this season and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II is in the running to earn that spot.

He has impressed in the rookie minicamp and mandatory minicamp, despite some bumps in the road.

“It’s been great, a lot of learning, a lot of competing. I had some big shoes to fill during OTAs and minicamp. So, just making sure that I was available and ready everyday to perform. Like you said, swimming a little bit, had a couple hiccups, but I’m still getting used to the system,” Hyppolite II said. “It’s a lot of different ways that this defense is being played that I’ve never played before. Similar concepts, but just different techniques. So, just learning everyday, making sure I’m on top of things.”

Chicago’s starting linebackers, T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the linebacker room. Between the two of them, they have played in 201 regular season games and 13 playoff games. Edmunds has also made the Pro Bowl twice, back in 2019 and 2020 when he was with the Buffalo Bills.

Both veteran linebackers have been there for Hyppolite II to lean on, ask questions, and be a support system.

“They supported me, obviously. I’m always looking at them for guidance and for advice. Obviously, holding my own, but when they can, they chime in and they tell me what I can do better or what I did good at. I spend time with them off the field as well. We’ve had a couple events with the defense that I’ve been a part of with them and all the rookies as well. So, they’ve been a great support system for me and they support me in my growth and in what I’m doing.”

Hyppolite II had a successful college career during his five years with Maryland. In total, he played in 50 games and recorded 236 total tackles. In addition, he had 13 tackles for loss and recorded an interception in his final season.

For a young player like him with a good amount of college experience, working with a defensive mind like defensive coordinator Dennis Allen should really help him. One aspect of Hyppolite II’s game that Allen could help him with is utilizing his speed effectively. He was not invited to the NFL Combine. But at his Pro Day, Hyppolite II ran a 4.39 40-yard dash time.

That was faster than any linebacker at the Combine; the fastest linebacker at the Combine ran a 4.46.

“He’s great. Very unique personality, but I love it. He’s all about business, all about ball, which is how it should be,” Hyppolite II said. “It’s all about just understanding tempo and how to use (my speed) and when to use it, when to not. So, I’ve been able to gauge that over these six, seven weeks we’ve been here. So, it’s been a great adjustment period for me. But, now it’s time to go full speed.”

Whether on offense or defense, it is important for a player to know their quarterback is committed. That is precisely what Hyppolite II learned about quarterback Caleb Williams, as Williams has been constantly present in the building, whether it was voluntary or mandatory.

“Seeing him around the building is very important for not only the team, but for the young guys to see, including myself, that you have leaders of the team always here and present even when you know it’s voluntary,” Hyppolite II said.