Bears RB Tarik Cohen to doubters: 'Turn on the tape'

Bears RB Tarik Cohen to doubters: ‘Turn on the tape’

Bears running back Tarik Cohen works out during NFL football rookie minicamp. (AP)

Running back Tarik Cohen noticed fewer cutback lanes in his first week of practice.

“So, as many 80-yard [runs] as I had in college — not going to get quite that many on this level,” he said. “But I still think I could pop out a few here and there.”

Confidence came easy for the 5-6 Cohen after the Bears’ three-day rookie minicamp ended Sunday.

“I think he views himself about 6-6,” coach John Fox said.

Cohen’s response to those who doubt him because of his size: “Turn on the tape.”

General manager Ryan Pace found his North Carolina A&T tape eye-opening. Cohen agreed, saying he’ll miss having “like two” 80-yard gallops per game.

“Some things shock me,” he said. “Turn on my college tape, sometimes I wonder, how did I get out of there?”

If he can make the jump from FCS, the Bears will have a weapon. Cohen — who admires Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill’s skills — will line up as a pass-catching running back and wants to return kicks.

“He had as good a four-year production I think as there was in the country, albeit at a smaller level of football,” Fox said. “I think he’s a legend around his neighborhood.”

Fox on Mitch

Fox said quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a “great camp” before defining his offseason goals.

“You’ve got to get him up to speed in your offense,” he said. “So I think a guy, regardless of position, has to get comfortable and know what to do — and how to do it — and then just really cut loose and play.

“There’ll be a lot of classroom work — and thank God we’ve got all the offseason to do that. And I think he’ll do just fine.”

This and that

The Bears signed former Wheaton Warrenville South star Titus Davis, who tried out in camp. The Central Michigan alum’s brother, Corey, went fifth overall to the Titans. To make room, they waived former Florida State receiver Levonte Whitfield.

— Victor Cruz, who caught 39 passes for the Giants last season after returning from injury, will visit Halas Hall on Monday.

— Fifth-round pick Jordan Morgan said playing guard for Fox’s Senior Bowl team eased his pro transition.

“Just getting used to a higher level of play than I did play traditionally in college, as well as just terminology and how certain things work,” Morgan said.

Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com