The Dallas Cowboys may face a running back issue in the upcoming season. Some fans may not know that a notable Kansas State University running back named Darren Sproles has a doppelganger on the Dallas Cowboys roster.
Deuce Vaughn, a small Kansas State running back, has been drawing comparisons to the legendary Darren Sproles. Their similar playing styles and impact on the college football scene make for an intriguing comparison.
Could Deuce find a role on the roster as a gadget back or, even better, a more significant role on the offense?
Darren Sproles and Deuce Vaughn in College
Darren Sproles and Deuce Vaughn had truly remarkable careers at Kansas State University. Despite being undersized, both running backs displayed great agility and skill on the field, earning them respect in the football community.
Let's take a closer look at their college careers.
Darren Sproles attended Kansas State University from 2001 to 2004. During his four years there, he gained 4,979 yards on 815 carries, with an average of 6.1 yards per rush and 45 rushing touchdowns.
He also accumulated 609 receiving yards as a receiver and scored two touchdowns.
A notable career for a college running back who was later drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.
Deuce Vaughn attended Kansas State from 2020 to 2022.
During his college years, Vaughn amassed 3,604 rushing yards on 651 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored 34 touchdowns.
Deuce Vaughn caught 116 passes for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Both running backs had successful college careers. Darren Sproles had a more impressive rushing record, although this may be attributed to his playing all four years of eligibility.
If we were to extend Deuce Vaughn's college career by one more year, he would have matched or surpassed Sproles in every rushing category.
Would the extra year have helped Deuce Vaughn's draft stock?
The answer is yes, and it would have probably put him at an earlier draft slot.
Sproles and Vaughn in the NFL
Darren Sproles spent 15 years in the NFL as a change-of-pace back and receiving threat out of the backfield. He accumulated over 8,000 yards from scrimmage during his career and scored 55 touchdowns.
Sproles was never an every-down-back in his career, but he still managed to have a successful career with some solid teams.
Deuce Vaughn can put together the same type of career. He is a great receiver and shifty enough in the open field to get chunk yards.
Vaughn's small stature makes it challenging for linebackers to get a clear view of him in the backfield as he maneuvers behind the linemen. However, a drawback to Vaughn's rushing ability is his lack of strength to break through tackles.
News of Deuce Vaughn taking reps with receivers at OTAs could give hope to seeing him more split out wide or in the slot on the field.
A potential CeeDee Lamb holdout lasting into the season could lead to a need for more help at the receiver position.
This could add a wrinkle to the offense that has been missing.
A career backup running back
Deuce Vaughn, similar to Darren Sproles, may have limited potential on the football field due to factors beyond his control.
Darren Sproles consistently demonstrated his ability to create opportunities and mismatches throughout his career. Observing him in action a couple of times each year with the Philadelphia Eagles only confirms Deuce's potential abilities.
Most of us have heard the saying, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” Well, this could sum up Deuce Vaughn's career.
As likable and as great as the story of Deuce Vaughn receiving a phone call from his father to inform him that he had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys was, it may not translate into significant time on the field.
Deuce Vaughn's next stop will be the Dallas Cowboys training camp in California. The time on the West Coast could give fans a glimpse of what to expect from the diminutive running back as the new season approaches.
This year could be a make-or-break year for Deuce Vaughn as nothing is promised in the NFL.
I hope the young man can utilize his receiving skills to his advantage and contribute to the offense in some way.
