Mike McCarthy breaks down the Cowboys' plan to 'cross train' Deuce Vaughn

Dallas Cowboys fans could see Deuce Vaughn play multiple positions when the 2024 NFL season kicks off. After a training camp practice on Wednesday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about the plan for the former Kansas State running back.

“I’ve been trying to cross-train some of our younger players, Deuce is one of them, the ability to play both in the backfield and out of the backfield,” McCarthy said. “He’s always been featured more in a one-back offense, and we’re obviously dabbling in some of the two-back, but his ability to play in the empty sets too. Just trying to cross-train him and give him more opportunities.”

Vaughn was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the draft last year. His father, Chris Vaughn, works for the Cowboys as the team’s assistant director of college scouting. Deuce Vaughn played in seven games during his rookie season and rushed for 40 yards on 23 carries while also catching seven passes for 40 yards.

The move to cross-train Vaughn is not a surprise considering he’s been working out with the receivers during OTAs. “It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year,” Vaughn said this week, per the team website. “Talking with [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] just a little bit about getting with the slot. … Just learning a little bit more about it.”

Deuce Vaughn was a standout player at Kansas State

At 5’5” and 176 pounds, Vaughn is the shortest player measured at the NFL Scouting Combine since the information started being tracked in 2003. But the Cowboys selected him in the draft because of his ability to make plays. During his time at Kansas State, the 22-year-old was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022 and was named a Consensus All-American in 2022 after rising for 1,558 yards and nine touchdowns.

“I think clearly, Deuce can play the normal flow of our offense, first and second down,” McCarthy said after Vaughn was drafted last year, per ESPN. “I think stating the obvious as far as the protection component, we’ve got to work together there, but there’s some very distinct situational thoughts and concepts that I have in mind early. Randall Cobb-ish type things I’ve done in the past. Yeah, we’ll definitely have opportunities for him to take advantage of his productivity. I mean he’s a dynamic player.”