Hot Corner: Getting to know Bears LB Dom DeCicco
September 20, 2011 10:38PM
Bears rookie linebacker Dom DeCicco. | Getty Images
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Updated: September 20, 2011 10:51PM
Bears rookie linebacker Dom DeCicco is one of six players from Dave Wannstedt’s 2010 Pittsburgh Panthers to make an NFL 53-man roster this season. DeCicco, who went undrafted, credits Wannstedt for helping him get there.
‘‘He ran our program like a pro program — the way things were run in practice and things like that; it’s not that much different here besides the talent,’’ said DeCicco, a Pittsburgh-area native who has three special-teams tackles in his first two NFL games. ‘‘And he always talked to me about how being good on special teams would be the way to get in, so he made sure I was on special teams in college.
‘‘I played safety the whole time [at Pittsburgh], but I was in the box a lot, and I think that helps more with coverage. He ended up moving me to nickel linebacker, playing third downs last year, so I got to experience both. He was a big help.’’
Wannstedt has 15 of his Pitt players on NFL teams, including Darrelle Revis (Jets) and LeSean McCoy (Eagles).
‘‘Coach Wannstedt was one of the first guys to text me when he found out I made the team,’’ DeCicco said.
