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Strongside linebacker Nick Roach has started 24 games in his three seasons with the Bears. Coming over to the Bears in 2007 as an undrafted free agent, Roach spent most of the season on the practice squad.

Roach got his first chance in 2008, when he started nine games next two WLB Lance Briggs and MLB Brian Urlacher. In those nine games, he made 34 tackles and deflected two passes.

Last season, Roach started 15 games, he made 73 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and he deflected three passes. Roach really excelled as a starter.

Roach is a very versatile linebacker, he filled in at every linebacker position with opening day starters Brian Urlacher, Pisa Tinoisamoa and Lance Briggs all missing significant time.

This week I had a chance to speak with him about what he had to do to become the starting strong side linebacker and how the Bears defense will be better with the additions they???ve made this off-season.

Here???s the interview, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.