Player Spotlight: Mitch Trubisky

If you've been following the Chicago Bears for the last two seasons, it's likely that you've heard of Mitch Trubisky. The second overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft has done anything but disappoint so far, and if you're hoping that Trubisky can be the QB equipped to take the Bears back to fighting for playoff contention year in and year out, you're certainly not alone.

Here's an in-depth look at Mitch Trubisky, including who he is and how he came to be a key piece of young talent leading a revival in Chicago.

Humble Beginnings in Northeast Ohio

Trubisky was born in Mentor, Ohio, an eastern lakefront suburb of Cleveland. He would go on to star for the Mentor High School football team, where he put up outstanding numbers.

In his high school career, Trubisky would go on to pass for over 9,000 yards and 93 touchdowns, adding 1,600 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground on the way to a senior season that garnered him Ohio's Mr. Football award in 2012.

As a decorated QB coming from a tough division in a strong football state, Trubisky had no shortage of suitors seeking his signature to play after high school. Despite being offered by Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan State, he opted to play for the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill instead.

Trubisky was part of the UNC football program for 4 seasons, redshirting his true freshman year and backing up a more experienced starter his redshirt freshman season. His junior year was much of the same, as UNC's starter was a senior but as the season went on, Trubisky got more and more game time in a season where UNC lost to Clemson in the ACC Championship.

The next year, he would seize the starting role for good. His gaudy season stats (3748 yards and 30 touchdowns) were enough that NFL teams started to show interest in Trubisky as a first-round pick, and he declared for the 2017 draft after the season.

On the first night of the draft, Trubisky was chosen second overall by the Bears, becoming the first QB taken in 2017.

A Rocky, But Promising Rookie Season

Like any first-year QB that is given the reins right out of training camp, Trubisky had his struggles. He had to overcome an offense without a ton of weapons and an offensive line that sometimes struggled to protect him, and ended with 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in what was ultimately a forgettable season for the Bears.

So far in 2018, that experience has shown to be an asset to his development. After the first 6 games of the season, Trubisky has led his team to respectable 3-3 record and contributed 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions so far. With some games on the schedule in the near future that should allow Mitch Trubisky to get more comfortable and put up some attractive numbers, the future is bright for this promising Bears QB.

Cheer on Mitch Trubisky at Soldier Field!

The best way to show your support for a young player in his quest to return to Bears to glory is to support him in person. Make sure you come to the next game prepared with your official Mitch Trubisky jersey or any of the other Bears apparel and memorabilia on sale at SportsWorldChicago.com!

While your waiting for the next Player Spotlight, check out our others on the Sports World Chicago Blog, about Javy Baez and Kris Bryant!