Marshall follows in Davis’ footsteps



LAKE FOREST — The Chicago Bears already had nine wide receivers on their roster. That didn’t include Devin Hester, who’s making the switch from cornerback to all-around offensive weapon while remaining the team’s — and league’s — most explosive return man.

So it might seem a bit puzzling that the Bears announced the signing of Timon Marshall, a receiver/kick return specialist, from the Arena Football League.

It also might seem strange that Marshall would pick the Bears as affording him the best opportunity.

That’s not how Marshall sees it, after his first day in a Chicago uniform and first organized team activity Wednesday at Halas Hall.

“Talking to the front office and a couple coaches, and with my agent (Martin Prince), the Bears showed me so much interest,” he said. “It seemed they genuinely wanted me on this team, and this was the best shot for me to make it.”

The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Marshall is 27. He comes from the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Rampage, where he was seventh in the league with 35 touchdowns. He was the league’s first player with more than 1,300 yards in both returns and receiving last year. He also had six returns for scores this season.

For that potential, the Bears gave him a three-year contract.

It’s not like this hasn’t worked out for Chicago before. They’ve had good results after plucking current wideout Rashied Davis from arena ball. Marshall said Davis’ success “gives me a lot of confidence.”

“Not many guys have done it, and he’s similar to my size. For him to come in and make a big impact is good for me,” he said.

Marshall remained after practice with fellow free-agent receivers Drisan James and David Ball. They ran routes and caught passes from free-agent quarterback Chris Leak. Marshall was quick off the line, made sharp cuts and caught every catchable ball.

Marshall had a good sweat going when reporters talked to him afterward.

“The biggest adjustment is getting used to all the terminology and the playbook,” he said. “Other than that, football is football. I just have more field now to showcase my speed.

“I haven’t been around too many NFL players,” he said. “I’m a fast guy and I play the game fast, so you pick one out there who’s fast in the NFL and that’s one you can compare me to.”

OK, let’s try Hester. He endorses the signing.

“It’s a great option,” Hester said. “Who knows? I might go down. Or if I start playing a little more offense, they might put him back there (on returns).

“Like I say, there always has to be a Plan B. If anything, God forbid, happened to me, he’d be ready to step up there.”

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