Rookie Tarik Cohen(N.C.A&T) Could Play Key Role For Chicago Bears Offense

LAKE FOREST, Illinois – The name Darren Sproles is sure to follow Tarik Cohen all throughout his NFL career.

It’s a natural comparison, with the two running backs standing at just 5-foot-6. Sproles is the present-day benchmark for undersized running backs, while Cohen was made a fourth-round pick of the Bears this past April. At some point, the Sproles comparison will get old, right?

“I don’t get sick of it,” Cohen said Monday at Halas Hall. “Darren Sproles is a great player. (He has) been in the league very long, a prominent player and he’s really opened the door for backs such as me, of our size and stature.”

Of course, there’s context to the Sproles comparison inside of Halas Hall. Bears general manager Ryan Pace served as director of player personnel in New Orleans when his front office brought in Sproles to make an impact with the Saints.

During three seasons in New Orleans from 2011 through 2013, Sproles combined for 232 receptions, 1,981 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns … as a running back. He also worked in as the No. 2 option in the backfield, averaging 5.7 yards per carry in those three seasons.

Cohen hopes to be a difference-maker in a similar regard. The MEAC’s all-time leading rusher and a North Carolina A&T product, he takes great pride in that path to the NFL, but there’s a lofty standard now the he has entered the league.



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