The Bears on Monday signed fourth-round draft pick Roschon Johnson, a running back from Texas, to a four-year contract.
Johnson appeared in 47 games over four seasons for the Longhorns, rushing for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns on 392 carries and catching 56 passes for 420 yards and one TD. Last year the 6-foot, 219-pounder ran for 554 yards and five TDs on 93 carries and had 14 receptions for 128 yards and one TD.
An All-American quarterback at Port Neches-Groves High School in Texas, Johnson was converted to running back as a college freshman and remained at Texas despite the presence of star running back Bijan Robinson, who was selected with the eighth pick in the first round of the draft by the Falcons.
After Johnson was chosen by the Bears, area scout John Syty raved about him, saying: "I don't know if I've ever written a guy with higher character than him."
"This is a young man who has some pretty special qualities just in terms of his leadership ability," Syty added. "He's someone we really feel can become a pillar in this organization for a really long time. I feel really strongly about this guy. There's a level of 'it' factor to this kid the second he walks into the room."
The Bears have now signed eight of their 10 draft picks. The only two who remain unsigned are second-round defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. and second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Check out photos of Bears players on the Halas Hall practice fields during Phase 2 of the team's offseason program.
