Bears rookie Ian Wheeler showed why it's easy to root for him on 'Hard Knocks'

The second episode of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears" premiered this week, and there were a number of standouts outside of the usual suspects like quarterback Caleb Williams.

That included running back Ian Wheeler, who's looking to earn a coveted roster spot. Going from being an undrafted rookie out of Howard to an impact player in the NFL is not easy, or likely, but anything can happen.

Wheeler was a big part of Episode 2, and he made it very easy to root for him. He deferred medical school for an opportunity to live out his dream of playing football in the NFL, and he's making a strong push.

You can tell just by watching Wheeler off the field that he's incredibly interesting. He is a truly smart human being who is going to be very successful away from the game no matter when that time comes. Before he gets there though, he is taking his best chance at being an NFL player.

In his final three years at Howard, Wheeler rushed for 1,139 yards, averaging 6.54 yards per carry, with 13 touchdowns. He added 23 receptions for 234 yards and one score.

After following Wheeler through practice, the "Hard Knocks" cameras captured his shining moment in Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bill. He had a monster of a game, where he had five carries for 43 yards (8.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. That's exactly what you need to do if you are trying to make an NFL roster, and you could see with all of the behind-the-scenes how much a performance like that meant to him.

Making the team is a long shot for Wheeler. There are already a handful of backs ahead of him on the depth chart, and it isn't a debate. It could very well come down to him and Velus Jones Jr., who's getting a look at running back.

This episode made that eventual day when Wheeler potentially is cut from the team anymore a bit sad. It isn't out of the question that he makes the roster, but it isn't likely. This is the best part about "Hard Knocks," though. It helps you see the game with the human element more than you would without it. Players like Wheeler, who are on the edge of the roster, are always extra interesting. Hopefully, his dream gets realized, one way or another.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Ian Wheeler showed it's easy to root for him on 'Hard Knocks'