Deuce Vaughn looks to take advantage of his opportunity.
The Dallas Cowboys training camp has so far been one that has been free from any controversy. That makes a chance for the franchise, as there is always a headline or two that surrounds them. With their opening game in the preseason against Jacksonville Jaguars just days away, one of the smaller players to hit their camp for a while is making people notice his giant strides.
Solid College career
Deuce Vaughn was drafted out of Kansas State in the sixth round of this year’s college crop, the 212th pick overall. His college production was off the charts despite his stature. He led the Big-12 in All-Purpose yards. Yes, even ahead of the fantasy football darling Bijan Robinson. At 5’5, the 21-year-old has impressed in the first week of camp and looks to take his form into the matchup against the Jaguars on Saturday. Despite his diminutive size, Vaughn tallied the second most attempts and yards gained in Kansas State history. This despite foregoing his last year to enter the Draft.
At the moment he sits third on the depth chart. Tony Pollard is the lead back in Dallas, and Ronald Jones has the backup role, but is suffering from a groin strain, and will also sit out the first two games of the regular season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policies. With this in mind, Vaughn has been seeing more of the ball than early predictions suggested.
Impressing the Coaches
He has also been seen fielding punts and could be seen as a weapon in the special teams game. It has been his pass-blocking that has raised eyebrows and smiles, as well. His size matching up against bigger blockers has turned heads, and his speed and adjustments are also coming on. Head Coach Mike McCarthy heaped praise on his rookie, “We all smile when he does pass protect because, you talk about instincts, awareness, and most importantly the footwork to get yourself in position, he has that, I’ve been very impressed.” he said.
Cowboys rookie RB Deuce Vaughn on playing in his first preseason game on Saturday: “I’m ready to go cut it loose. I love this game. I love everything that comes with it. I’m super excited to go out there and show exactly what I can do. … I’m excited to get back to AT&T Stadium,… pic.twitter.com/SSCbV7Sw6u
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 9, 2023
Big opportunity
There have of course been many superstars in the game that have been smaller than the average player. Darren Sproles made huge waves despite being a smaller-than-average player. This is what also motivates the former Wildcat. “You just have to see that and I see myself in that light. People direct message me and people come up to me and say you’re an inspiration for me being an undersized guy that plays football. It’s one of the things that keeps me going. I understand there’s a lot of people that look up to me.” he remarked.
With Pollard likely to take very limited snaps this weekend, if any at all, this will be the chance for Vaughn to walk tall. He has every chance to enhance his reputation, and if he can show the breakout speed that earned him many plaudits in his college days, then he will well be on the way to making it big.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
