Devin Hester Feature 8/22/12

New Bears receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery grabbed all the headlines in the offseason, but Devin Hester could be the guy to turns some heads during the season.   

Hester has always been confident in his ability to returns kicks, but now there's also a sense that he has a similar confidence in his ability as a receiver.

"I think it's just more experience," said Hester. "Understanding the game more and more each and every year. Working on my craft, my weaknesses that I had the past couple years."

Jay Cutler and the coaches have all had positive things to say about Hester's improvement.  They expect him to have way more than the 26 receptions he had last year.  And Hester says when he gets his hands on the ball, he'll be looking to take it all the way.

"That's my biggest goal this year when I get my hands on the ball.  I want to just explode out."

Since defenses will most likely be keying first on stopping Brandon Marshall, that should open up big play opportunities for Hester.  And Hester says he's learning a lot simply by observing Marshall.

"Just sitting back and watching him," said Hester. "Working his mechanics, and the way he works as a receiver it leaks off on me, and I just try to copycat everything he's doing."

For more on the Bears go to nfl.com or chicagobears.com.