Chicago Bears: Tanner Gentry impressive in training camp
Undrafted rookie Tanner Gentry is fighting for his career. So far with the Chicago Bears, that fight has been impressive.
In a practice recently, Chicago Bears quarterback Mark Sanchez dropped back and heaved a long pass. Wide receiver Tanner Gentry got behind the defender and as he fell in the end zone, he made a great one-handed catch. In another practice, Mitchell Trubisky threw a 40-yard bomb. Cornerback Marcus Cooper had position to make a play, but Gentry leaped and took the ball away to make the play.
These are but two of the plays that the undrafted Gentry made during an impressive training camp. On Tuesday, he had three touchdown catches. Not many knew who he was before camp began, but more and more know his name now.
Trubisky and Gentry play with the third team during practice. They’ve hooked up several times and Gentry’s become Trubisky’s favorite target (per CBS Chicago):
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"He just goes up and gets it. He does his job, and he’s been beating his man on the outside. The opportunities he’s been given, he has taken advantage of."
Looking for an opportunity after going undrafted out of Wyoming, the 6-2 Gentry certainly got that in Chicago. The Bears have many questions at wide receiver, and now with Markus Wheaton‘s broken finger, Gentry’s opportunity just got bigger.
Gentry can look to a couple of teammates for motivation. Christian Jones went undrafted and now is a rotation player with the linebackers. Also, fellow wide receiver Cameron Meredith went undrafted and played well last year.
Additionally, Gentry has his own motivation. He feels that people doubted him his entire football life and it’s no different in the NFL. He knows every practice and every preseason game gives him a chance to show he belongs (via CBS Chicago):
"“Tons of motivation. I’m just playing with a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I’ve been doubted my whole life, my whole playing career, coming out of high school with not much opportunity there, either. I just go to show that I belong, just continue to make plays and make the most of every opportunity that I get.”"
Gentry also caught the coaches’ eyes with his performance, notably head coach John Fox (via ESPN.com):
"He was a highly productive guy out of Wyoming. He’s got good deep speed. I think he’s getting more comfortable with what we’re doing route-wise. He’s played a couple different positions, so he’s smart. So far we like what we see."
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Now is the time for Gentry’s training camp success to translate into games. He had one catch for 13 yards against the Denver Broncos. Now, Wheaton’s injury might give Gentry a chance to receive more targets. With his camp success, he certainly deserves more of a look.