A day after the Chicago Bears selected former Vanderbilt All-American cornerback D.J. Moore in the 2009 NFL Draft, the NFC North Division team has invited yet another former Commodore to join the mix as receiver George Smith received an opportunity to try-out with the Bears at rookie camp later this week.

The Bears are looking to add more depth to the wide receiver position and selected three potential pass catchers during the two-day draft over the weekend.

Smith, caught 89 passes during his playing career for 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns. A three-year starter, Smith was expected to have a big senior year in 2008, but a foot injury suffered in the preseason, hindered that possibility and he struggled with only 13 catches for 140 yards. He also graded out as one of the team's best blocking receivers during his career.

However, his leadership both on and off the field during the 2008 season was cited as a big reason why the Commodores were finally able to break a long bowl drought in 2008, and win the Music City Bowl. In fact, Smith made a key 15-yard reception during the Commodores game-winning drive to beat the Boston College Eagles.

The offensive co-captain spent six years in the Vanderbilt program after developing a near-fatal medical condition known as transverse myletis as a freshman. He missed 18 months of action recovering from the ailment that left him temporarily paralyzed.

Smith emerged as one of the team's most reliable pass catchers during his redshirt freshman season of 2005, catching 23 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns that season. One of his catches that year included a incredible over the shoulder grab against two Tennessee defenders during the Commodores first win over the Vols since 1982.

As a sophomore, Smith caught 21 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns, including one end-zone grab against the eventual national champion Florida Gators in Vanderbilt's near upset at Vanderbilt Stadium.

Smith's production increased in 2007, as he caught 32 passes for 397 yards and three scores. Always a red-zone threat, one of Smith's touchdown grabs came against the 6th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks in Vanderbilt's biggest road win in over 70 years.

"George has meant so much to our team," Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson said in a statement on Monday. "He overcame a great deal during his time at Vanderbilt and worked incredibly hard to even have a chance of returning to the game. He's an incredible young man, and a tremendous representative of our football team and university."

Should the Maryland native make the team, he will join former receiving corps teammate Earl Bennett this spring and re-unite with his former quarterback Jay Cutler in the Bears offense. Another fellow former Vanderbilt captain and teammate, Chris Williams, will also be on roster as is 2002 Vanderbilt graduate Hunter Hillenmeyer.

Former Vanderbilt safety Reshard Langford signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night as a rookie free agent.

Several other Commodore standouts from the 2008 season, including fellow receiver Sean Walker, placekicker Bryant Hahnfeldt and quarterback turned athlete Chris Nickson, have hopes of continuing their football careers in the NFL.