Hyppolite’s most impressive trait is obvious to anyone who sees him in practice. It also was a key factor in the Bears drafting him in the fourth round out of Maryland.<\/p>\n
“The No. 1 thing is he can run,” Allen said. “The things that we’re going to have to ask our ‘backers to have to do, they’ve got to be able to match up with tight ends, with running backs at times. They’ve got to be able to match up with wide receivers; sometimes that’s carrying things vertical down the field.<\/p>\n
“We’re looking for guys that can run, and then we’re looking for guys that have a physical mentality, physical demeanor.”<\/p>\n
Hyppolite was not invited to the NFL Combine. But the 6-foot, 236-pounder boosted his draft stock by running a blazing 4.39 40 at his Pro Day.<\/p>\n
“Speed is key for me,” Hyppolite said. “It’s all about knowing where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to do, and the speed comes after that. I feel like I have a great ability to react before everyone else on the field, so that’s where the speed comes into play. But it all comes by knowing what to do.”<\/p>\n
To that end, Hyppolite gathered with his fellow linebackers at the team hotel Friday night to study the playbook and review their first NFL practice.<\/p>\n
“We got together, went over some of the install and then, for myself, just went over the install on the iPad, writing down, taking notes, doing what I do best and locking in and maintaining,” he said. “I spent like an hour and some change last night just going through everything again before coming out today. Just want to be prepared and ready to go.”<\/p>\n
Hyppolite impressed Allen and the Bears during a pre-draft visit to Halas Hall.<\/p>\n
“What I did learn is that he’s very mature and he’s business-oriented,” Allen said. “He’s got his life together off the field, which is going to allow him to be able to focus on the field with the football. There’s not going to be a lot of outside distractions with this guy, and that’s a positive. I think he’s going to be a guy that’s going to learn how to be a pro really quickly because of that maturity level.”<\/p>\n
Hyppolite was asked about his businesslike approach.<\/p>\n
“I don’t know anything about the NFL,” said the 23-year-old. “First year here. Learning, watching guys, being quiet, shutting up, that’s probably the best thing for me right now. And just learning. I love DA (Dennis Allen). He’s very quiet. Unique personality. I feel like him and I get along together. He told me in the meeting yesterday, ‘I need a better day from you.’ That was good for me to hear. Even though he’s quiet, everything’s being evaluated. It’s all about handling my business. It’s work. I’m in the real world now. Gotta love it.”<\/p>\n