The Chicago Bears are on the verge of breaking for the summer, and speedy rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II has an extremely relatable plan to fill the void.
Hyppolite, the No. 132 overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, has acquitted himself well, according to Bears head coach Ben Johnson, and the player is looking to build on that momentum during the downtime.
Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II Shared Pre-Training Camp Plan
Ruben Hyppolite II Looking to Recuperate During Bears’ Break
“I’m gonna sit my behind down somewhere. I’m going to, obviously, be in the playbook, train, just get ready for camp,’ Hyppolite told Clocker Sports on June 10. “Get ready to compete, continue to get in shape every day – get in more shape than I already am, and just be ready and available when my number’s called.”
Johnson said Hyppolite had been “swimming” a bit early on.
However, the rookie was one of four players the head coach named when asked for standouts from mandatory minicamp last week.
“I thought the player we probably saw the most improvement from when he stepped in to now was Ruben Hyppolite. I thought he’s done a nice job learning,” Johnson told reporters on June 5. “He’s swimming a little bit, but he’s taken it seriously. And [Bears linebacker] coach Richard Smith‘s done a fantastic job with him over the course of the last few weeks.”
Hypplite acknowledged the hurdles, but is eager to keep going, after his break, of course.
“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 every day to perform,” Hyppolite told Bears reporters on Tuesday. “Swimming a little bit, had a couple hiccups, but I’m still getting used to the system. It’s a lot of different ways that you know this defense is being played that I’ve never played before. Similar concepts, but just different techniques. So, just learning every day, making sure I’m on top of things.”
Bears Youngster Receiving Bonus Opportunity
The Bears are set with starting linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, and they have let third-year former draft pick Noah Sewell have extended reps this offseason. But Hyppolite has also gotten in on the action.
Bears special teamer Amen Ogbongbemiga has been limited so far this offseason.
That has led to additional reps for those who would otherwise be behind him on the depth chart, namely Hyppolite.
There is a long time before training camp, and Ogbongbemiga could be back in the thick of things by then, too. Hyppolite has taken advantage of the increased exposure, instilling confidence about what was a polarizing draft pick for Bears general manager Ryan Poles.