Running back Deuce Vaughn talks Dallas Cowboys after meeting at Scouting Combing

Kansas State star running back Deuce Vaughn checked one of his childhood dreams off the list this week at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The former Big 12 standout got to tell his story ahead of the draft, and meet with one of his favorite NFL teams – the Dallas Cowboys. Vaughn’s father, Chris Vaughn, has been a scout for the Cowboys since 2017.

“It’s been a dream come true,” Vaughn said. “It’s been one of the things I’ve wanted to do since I was a little, little kid, so to be here at the combine with some of the best running backs in college football, be able to talk to NFL teams, to be able to do things like this, talk to the media, get not only my story but all of our stories out, it’s been huge.”

Vaughn meets with Cowboys

Vaughn told reporter Hailey Sutton that he met with his dad’s employers and shared how having his father in the process has eased his nerves.

“I have (met with the Cowboys), it was informal and it went really, really well. Really, really well,” Vaughn said. “It’s huge (having my father involved). It set some of the nerves aside. He’s been there for me and I can’t thank him enough. It would be huge to have a star on the side of my helmet. Growing up in Texas and them being right up the road, I’ve played in AT&T Stadium a couple of times now, beautiful venue, I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

Asked about the strengths he brings to the table, the running back touts his versatility and work ethic above all else.

“I’d say versatility, work ethic, and a grind to be great,” Vaughn said. “Versatility-wise, I’m able to catch the ball out of the backfield, run inside outside, be able to split out to the slot and also have some punt return, kick return experience, it brings a multitude of tools to the table. Work ethic and preparation, it’s what I pride myself on.

In 37 career games with the Wildcats, Vaughn ran for 3,604 yards and 34 touchdowns on 651 attempts.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine wraps up on March 6 in Indianapolis.