While representing the Chicago Bears this spring at a youth camp in Rockford, Ill., former University of Minnesota defensive back Brock Vereen didn't expect to run into any players from his alma mater.
But Vereen knew immediately who Demry Croft was when he saw the 6-foot-5, 200-pound freshman walk onto the field.
Croft, who is from Rockford, helped work the camp with Vereen and picked up some advice from the former All-Big Ten safety.
Vereen told Croft not to take a back seat to anybody when he arrived on campus.
He told him Gophers coach Jerry Kill was not afraid to play freshmen if they're ready.