LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson read the eyes of Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew and put himself in position to make a play on the pass. Stevenson was right there for the interception, but the ball went through his hands.
It happened last Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium and marked the second time this preseason that Stevenson has missed a golden opportunity to make an interception. So, what does he hope to prove this Saturday in the Bears' preseason finale?
"I can actually catch," Stevenson said with a smile.
Stevenson has already proved plenty during the course of the offseason program and training camp, showcasing himself as a tough matchup at cornerback and a potential game-changing presence for the Bears' defense.
The Bears selected Stevenson in the second round in April with the vision of him starting at the cornerback position opposite of Jaylon Johnson. He has since gone out and proved himself on a daily basis.
"He's got a lot of potential," Bears cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke said. "He's passionate about football. He understands football. And it's just trying to get him to be consistent every day, day to day to day, consistent, consistent, consistent.
"But he also has his mindset. He's a physical type of football player. And that's always welcome here."
The 23-year-old Stevenson transferred from Georgia to Miami in 2021. He made that decision in part to be closer to home but also because he became frustrated with a lack of opportunity in Athens. Bears general manager Ryan Poles was sold on Stevenson's character when he heard his humble explanation on how transferring from Georgia shaped his future.
Since taking the field for the Bears, Stevenson has put his confidence and swagger on display.
"He's different," Hoke said. "He's probably different than most I've had. Charles (Tillman) was that way. He was not a very friendly person on the field.
"He's definitely unique in his way, but it's in a good way."
Even as he closes in on a starting spot at cornerback, Stevenson knows he has plenty more to prove. That starts with pulling in an interception and becoming the consistent performer his coaches believe he can be.
Through it all, Stevenson isn't backing down on anything.
"Intensity's really what's a part of this game," Stevenson said. "And I'm always going to bring it."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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