INDIANAPOLIS (670 The Score) -- When quarterback Justin Fields would line up the Ohio State Buckeyes against their first-team defense, the banter would begin. Star defensive lineman Haskell Garrett got used to hearing it.
"'Y'all can't get me,'" Haskell recalled Fields shouting out to the Buckeyes' defense, challenging his teammates. "'Y'all can't get through the line.'"
During his two seasons at Ohio State in 2019-'20, Fields was more than just a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a constant competitor and team leader. He rallied the conference to conduct a football season in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, then led the Buckeyes to the national championship game while battling through broken ribs.
Fields, who turned 23 on Saturday, is now entering his second year with the Bears as their starting quarterback and is a young player who will once again be looked to as a leader. His former Buckeyes teammates believe he's ready for that.
"He created himself as a new staple on that team," Ohio State tackle prospect Nick Petit-Frere said. "I think that his leadership and how affectionate he is as a person is about to rub off on a lot of people and is going to change that team."
The No. 11 overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2021, Fields had a difficult rookie season in Chicago. He took over as the Bears' starting quarterback in the third game of the regular season, and he completed 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 12 games. Fields dealt with multiple injuries, including another ribs fracture. He missed the season finale in Minneapolis after testing positive for COVID-19.
Fields struggled in part because of a scheme that was a poor fit for him and also because of the supporting cast around him, which the Bears hope to change this offseason under the watch of a new regime.
"He played hard," Petit-Frere said. "I mean, that's something that we always knew about Justin.
"Justin this entire offseason has been working his butt off this entire time to get himself to where he needed to get to."
The Bears could upgrade their offense around Fields by selecting one of the Buckeyes' two top wide receiver prospects in Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave, though it would be difficult to pull off. While it's always possible one could fall in this deep receiver class, Chicago would likely have to trade up from its top draft slot at No. 39 overall to land either.
"That would be awesome to link back up with him," Wilson said.
Fields emerged as a leader for Ohio State immediately after joining the program as a transfer from Georgia in early 2019. He led the Buckeyes to a 20-2 mark over his two years as the starting quarterback while helping elevate his teammate.
That's what the Buckeyes remember most about Fields as he works toward an important second season in the NFL. They believe the same characteristics he brought to Ohio State will allow him to shine in leading Chicago.
"I can't wait to see his career take off," Olave said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
