The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway. With 29 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight running back Tarik Cohen.
2016 Review
Tarik Cohen spent his 2016 dominating the FCS and boosting his draft stock. The “human joystick” as he was called was a three-time conference player of the year and was a 2016 All-American at North Carolina A&T. Cohen rushed for over 1,100 yards and put up eight touchdowns, finding himself drafted in the fourth round, an impressive feat for an FCS player.
2017 Outlook
Cohen is going to be competing for real snaps in 2017. He is going to have a good chance to earn a job as a punt returner. On top of that, he is going to be competing for a job as a pass catcher and a change of pace back up running back. Cohen has been great in training camp so far and has been getting rave reviews. There is a good chance that by the end of the season Cohen is a household name and that he has at least broken off some big plays for the Bears whether it be via special teams or carrying the ball.
Next: Eddie Jackson is on the starting path
Future with the Bears
The Bears are hoping that Cohen can stick around. Jordan Howard is a great primary back but does not offer up value as a receiver out of the back field. Cohen becomes the perfect compliment in this scenario. He can return punts, and be a dynamic option on offense being lined up in different positions on the field.