Player Spotlight: Tashard Choice

Number/ Position: #23, Running Back
Birthday:  11/20/84
College: Georgia Tech
Height: 5-10
Weight: 212
Acquired by Dallas: 4th round pick in 2008 (#122 overall)
Seasons in the NFL: 2

Injuries to Marion Barber and Felix Jones thrust backup running back Tashard Choice into the spotlight during the early portion of the 2009 season.  And just as he did in December ’08 as a rookie, Choice has responded.  The “Tash” of the “Smash-Dash-and-Tash” running backs trio has already proven that he’s a “complete” running back who is a solid rusher, receiver, and pass blocker.

Choice stepped in for Marion Barber (strained quad) and Felix Jones (sprained knee) as the Cowboys topped 200-rushing yards in consecutive games in September.  He also totaled a dozen receptions through the first 4 games which was more than any Cowboys wide receiver and second only to Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten. 

A versatile back, Choice can do it all.  When selected by the Cowboys in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, it was uncertain how much playing time Choice would receive.  Choice contributed mainly on special teams through the first three months of the 2008 season. But when Barber (toe) and Jones (toe/hamstring) were sidelined towards the end of the season, Choice made his first NFL start at Pittsburgh on December 7th.  He not only led the team in rushing (88 yards on 23 carries), he also led the team in receiving yards (78 yds on 5 catches, including a 50-yarder).  The next week in a win over the Giants, Choice scored his first career touchdown (38 yd TD run) and led the team with 91 rushing yards on only 9 carries.  In the final two games of the season versus Baltimore and Philly, he ran for 90 yards and 56 yards, respectively.

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