Growing up in tiny Chauncey, Ga., shaped Bears rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd into the player and person he is today.
The 6-6. 240-pounder starred at Dodge County High School in nearby Eastman and the University of Georgia before being selected by the Bears in the first round of the draft.
LB Leonard Floyd at OTAs
Floyd appeared in 38 games with 32 starts over three seasons at Georgia, recording 184 tackles, 28.5 tackles-for-loss and 17 sacks.
The ninth overall pick in the draft, Floyd is featured in the first segment of "Meet the Rookies," a four-part series on ChicagoBears.com that chronicles the inspirational stories of the team's newest players.
In the piece, Floyd's position coach at Georgia, Kevin Sherrer, says: "When he stepped on the field, it really didn't matter if it was a game, practice, whatever, everyone knew that guy was the best player on the field. His first two steps are as fast as anyone I've ever seen."
"Meet the Rookies" is sponsored by Chicago Tribune SportsPlus. The four segments will be shown on ChicagoBears.com and the Chicago Bears Official Mobile App this week. The other rookies featured in the series are receiver Daniel Braverman, tight end Ben Braunecker and running back Jordan Howard.
