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Bears rookie got an early preseason challenge from the coaching staff and his response helped confirm what he brings to the table
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This summer, the Chicago Bears coaching staff under Ben Johnson has done a really great job preparing various rookies for significant roles ahead of the 2025 season.

Tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and running back Kyle Monangai come to mind immediately as rookies who will see a lot of playing time and have a lot asked from them by the staff in their rookie season.

Even other rookies such as offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, interior offensive lineman Luke Newman, and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II will serve as quality backups to the team over the next few months.

Of those three, Hyppolite will have the quickest path to the field, but not necessarily on defense. The Bears currently have three linebackers ahead of the fourth-rookie rookie in Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell, but that doesn't mean Hyppolite won't rotate in. His quickest path to the field will instead come on special teams.

The Bears have been impressed with Hyppolite's speed and play-recognition, two traits that have already shined on tape during the first two preseason games. Those two traits can be used to elevate the team is on special teams as well, an area the coaches challenged the rookie to improve in.

"They've been pleased with how I've been performing. I was challenged last week to be more of a factor on special teams," Hyppolite told reporters on Tuesday. "So, I just came out last game (against the Bills) and put my work in on that and improved in that area."

During the preseason opener, Hyppolite logged 10 total snaps and finished the game with one tackle and one assist specifically on special teams. In the second game, his special teams snaps increased to 13, coming away with three tackles.

In those two games combined, the Bears' rookie is now tied for the league lead in special teams tackles and helped confirm what he can bring to the table in that facet of the game.

"Just made more plays, more of a factor just being more physical," Hyppolite added when asked what he did to improve. "Setting the tone and being around the ball more, just those things. I felt like I underperformed when we played Miami, so I just wanted to come out against Buffalo and change that. I feel like I did that."

Continuing to improve and act on feedback from the coaches will only increase Hyppolite's chances of being a factor as a rookie, whether that's solely on special teams or rotating in on defense. Either way, he continues to have the right mindset you'd look for in a young player.

"It's the same mindset I had when I checked in here in May. Just put my best foot forward, continue to do what I do best, play fast, be productive on the field, and give our team the best chance to win by doing my job," Hyppolite said.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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