The buzz around running back Deuce Vaughn is building in Oxnard as the Dallas Cowboys continue their 2025 training camp.
Despite his small frame at just 5’6”, Vaughn is earning more reps and attention from coaches, the media, and fans alike.
With an unsettled backfield and a wide-open opportunity to carve out a unique role, Vaughn is once again drawing comparisons to former NFL star Darren Sproles—and the similarities go far beyond their height.
More Reps, More Opportunities
While the Cowboys haven’t publicly detailed exactly how they plan to deploy Vaughn in the offense, one thing is clear: he’s getting more work in team drills and earning increased opportunities to showcase his abilities.
This is a positive sign for a third-year player looking to solidify a place in a backfield that features Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jaydon Blue.
Vaughn’s camp reps are a sign that the coaching staff sees something in Vaughn.
Even without specifics, his increased workload alone suggests he’s making enough of an impression to push for real snaps in the regular season.
Additionally, the potential scheme changes could feature not only Vaughn, but also open up opportunities for other seldom-used offensive players.
The Darren Sproles Comparison: Deeper Than Size
Yes, both Vaughn and Sproles are under 5’7”, but their shared strengths run much deeper:
Like Sproles, Vaughn brings a low center of gravity that makes him incredibly difficult to tackle in space. He’s also a threat to contribute in the return game, adding even more value to his potential roster spot.
One thing to keep in mind: Mike McCarthy did not know how to utilize a back like Deuce Vaughn, and Darren Sproles even echoed that remark.
However, Brian Schottenheimer, who was with the Chargers and worked with Darren Sproles as a player, may have a different perspective.
A Role Waiting to Be Created
While details about Vaughn’s offensive role remain under wraps, it’s not hard to imagine how the Cowboys’ new coaching staff might use him based on his collegiate production and NFL traits:
- Third-down back who can exploit mismatches against linebackers
- Situational slot receiver in empty sets or motion packages
- Change-of-pace rusher to keep defenses honest
- Kick and punt returner to help KaVontae Turpin flip field position
If the Cowboys adapt a creative offensive approach in 2025, Vaughn could be a game-changing chess piece.
Projected 2025 Stats
Assuming continued progress and health, Vaughn’s realistic 2025 production could look like:
- Rushing: 100 carries, 480 yards
- Receiving: 40 receptions, 370 yards, 2 TDs
- Special Teams: 400+ return yards and potential TD
That level of production would give the Cowboys a true multi-phase weapon and draw even more comparisons to Sproles’ early-career contributions with the Chargers and Saints.
Paving His Own Running Back Path
Deuce Vaughn doesn’t need to be “just like Darren Sproles” to make an impact—he just needs to be Deuce Vaughn.
His talent is undeniable, his reps are increasing, and his moment may be coming.
The Cowboys are watching closely, and so should the rest of the NFL. If given the right role, Vaughn could go from underdog to Sproles-esque in 2025.
a Dallas Cowboys fan, since the 70’s to tell you the truth I don’t know who the Cowboys starting running backs are with the last two season everybody leaving through free agency and I still don’t know why Jerry Jones don’t bring up Dalvin Cook from the practice squad or trade for James Cook because I don’t see the Buffalo Bills giving James Cook a new and bigger contract
Sproles had breakaway speed that took it o the house. if we don’t have a RB that can take it to the house – can’t make it past the LB’s then guess what. No running game unless you like 3rd and 6 and then they drop into a nickel and have a LB cheat for another defender and guess what 3 and out. Is the Passing game going to be better yes, but like we saw the season before, no elite RB, no deep success in the playoffs. Look at Philly. Look at SF coupe years ago. Look at Detroit. Look at Wash. Facts.
Sproles was a full size guy below the waist . Vaughn is just small and not really fast. His getting reps is more an indictment of the Sanders/Williams duo than positive to Vaughn. Start Luepke as he is the best all around back, cut all 3 and go look for some backs on the waiver wires.