Dak Prescott on Deuce Vaughn: 'He's not just a gadget player'

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has already found there’s a lot to like about rookie sixth-rounder Deuce Vaughn. The small-statured running back has been making plays all preseason long and Prescott sees him carving out a role

“He can bring a lot to this offense,” Prescott said, via Jon Machota. “He’s a playmaker. He’s not just a gadget guy. He’s not just a guy you want to get out of the backfield into space. We’ve seen that he can run between the tackles.”

“He’s probably using that height to his advantage,” Prescott added. “Everybody gets criticized for something, so that’s what they’ve picked for him. But I’m sure he’s used that to be something on his armor that he wants to prove people wrong. I know he’ll do that. He’s a hell of a player. He approaches the game the right way. Young guy, but acts like he’s been in this league for a while. I’m excited for all that he’s gonna bring to this team.”

The inspirational team scout’s son-turned-potential No. 2 running back may not even play on Saturday during the Cowboys’ third preseason game. Dallas takes on Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET.

Vaughn proves his worth

With his kick-returning ability, Vaughn has essentially locked up a spot on the 53-man roster with the cut just days away. If he does play on Saturday, it’s a sign the team needs to see a bit more before the regular season.

During the second preseason game versus the Seahawks, the Kansas State standout had 14 yards on five carries with one touchdown. In the previous game, he had eight carries for 50 yards and another touchdown.

“It’s hard to put into words, man,” Vaughn said after the first game, via the team’s website. “I can’t take all of the credit, all of those guys up front were blocking their butts off all game. To get in the end zone in the first preseason game, it’s a testament to all of the work that’s been put in since pre-draft.”

Doubted during the pre-draft process due to his short stature, Vaughn proved not only that he can hang, but that he can thrive in the NFL. That doesn’t mean, however, that the work lets up.

“Just that I belong,” Vaughn said of what he proved against Jacksonville. “I feel like that’s the biggest thing for me coming in, just proving the people that believe in me right. It doesn’t stop now. We go back to work Monday and into the next preseason game.”