Hub Arkush: Justin Fields’ college coach says the QB is healthy and as special as they come

After a quick drive-by visit with the Chicago press Thursday night during the first round of the NFL draft, the newest Chicago Bear grand experiment at quarterback, Justin Fields, followed his head coach at Ohio State, Ryan Day, in extended conversations with local media Friday.

Among the top five quarterback prospects in this draft there can be no argument that Fields accomplishments in college were second only to Trevor Lawrence. And yet he eventually became the fourth QB taken, the only logical explanation being recently leaked revelations that he deals with Epilepsy.

Asked how he felt about his private medical information becoming public Fields said, “It is what it is. It’s a part of me; I’m not going to try to hide it. It’s who I am.

“There’s no reason to try to hide it. I’m going to continue to manage this and continue to play football like I’ve always played football.”

[ Bears trade up to No. 11 to select Ohio State QB Justin Fields ]

When I asked Day if the Epilepsy was ever a factor in any way for him, the OSU program or Fields, he replied simply, “I mean, we were aware of it. But Justin was really professional and mature about it.

“You know, he took his medicine and we never really had an issue.”

It was also noteworthy that Day focused on how well his former QB has handled all kinds of pressure.

“When you look at Justin, he kinda burns hot on the inside, but you can’t always see it. He’s pretty even keeled,” Day said. “He doesn’t get real emotional – at least you can’t see it from the outside. He kinda keeps it close to the vest.

“His competitive fire gets lit quickly. I know he’s really anxious to get going here.”

One other significant revelation was Day confirming he believes Fields is a “generational talent.”

[ Hub Arkush: Bears move both boldly and wisely to get their QB ]

It fascinated me because a few months ago when Matt Nagy was still evaluating Mitch Trubisky, he was asked how he stacked Mitch up against Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson when he scouted all three for the Chiefs. Nagy said Mitch was a really good prospect while Mahomes was a “generational talent.”

Should Fields approach the MVP level of Mahomes, the Bears eternal nightmare under center may finally be at an end.

What kind of guy is Fields? We’d ask his best friend but...

“I have a French bulldog and his name is Uno,” Fields said Friday. “He’s definitely a big part of my life, and he’s my best friend for sure. He’s my guy.”