BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Don't rule Joshua Moore out as candidate for the Chicago Bears starting cornerback job opposite Charles Tillman.

Moore, currently working on the second team, remains very much in the mix along with Tim Jennings and Zack Bowman.

Talent was never the issue with Moore, who collected six interceptions over three seasons at Kansas State. The problem was the coaching staff felt Moore, a 2010 fifth-round draft choice, lacked the necessary upper body strength last season to be a viable option either on defense or special teams. Moore spent his rookie year basically as a game-day inactive -- he did dress for three regular-season games -- then headed down to Miami in the offseason to try and bulk up.

"We worked on a lot of speed and quickness, so I feel like that's my advantage this year," Moore said. "I feel last year I wasn't as strong coming in. I felt like in the offseason I had to get stronger, and I did, so now I feel like I'm a better player all the way around."

The plan worked and the cornerback added 10 pounds of muscle. He weighed in last week at 189 pounds, much to the delight of the Bears.

"The coaches were happy," Moore said. "When I came in they were happy with how my body looked. I figure, now I just have to go out and make plays. This year, I already know what is expected of me. I worked hard in the offseason and came in this year with a lot more confidence. I'm ready to play. I have a lot to prove."

“I know I'm under the radar, but I just go in every day and try to prove myself. I can't worry about what other people think. All I can do is try to improve and work hard. I know by the end of training camp, I will have put myself in a good spot."