Harbaugh Enjoying Challenge

Jim Harbaugh says he would rather sit on the bench with a winner than play immediately for a losing team.

The former Michigan signal-caller is the rookie entry in the large field of quarterbacks at the Chicago Bears’ mini-camp this week. He practiced with the other active entries--Doug Flutie, Mike Tomczak and Steve Fuller. Jim McMahon is still recovering from arm surgery and it is not known if he will play in 1987.

Harbaugh does not mind the competition.

“I’d expect tough competition anywhere in the NFL, on any team,” Harbaugh said after his first professional practice. “Competing doesn’t bother me. The best players will make the team and the best players will play. I’m looking forward to the competition.

The Bears surprised almost everyone by picking Harbaugh with their first-round pick in last month’s NFL draft. Harbaugh said he was pleased to go to a Super Bowl-contender rather than end up as the possible savior for a struggling franchise.

“I was happy to be picked by the Bears because it is a good team and there is a chance to win. And if I prove myself sooner or later good things will happen.

In his first practice, Harbaugh demonstrated a strong arm, zipping passes faster and sharper than the other Chicago quarterbacks who threw.

“I thought I was throwing the ball well. I would have liked to completed a lot more but I just don’t know where people are going to be all the time yet.”

Harbaugh is the third Michigan player on the Bear roster. Last week he talked to guards Kurt Becker and Stefan Humphries, also Michigan alums, about the training camp and the coaches.

He also had to decide whether to spend the mini-camp learning or showing off. He is leaning toward learning.

“I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and show something too,” he said. “I always try to do my best.