Deuce Vaughn may really be taking the Darren Sproles comparisons to heart.
The Dallas Cowboys running back Vaughn revealed to reporters this week that he has been working out at wide receiver during OTAs, namely drawing reps in the slot. Vaughn added that he continues to take RB reps and is also taking backup returner reps like he did as a rookie last season.
“It was one of those things we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year,” Vaughn said, per the team’s official site. “Talking with [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] just a little bit about getting with the slot … Just learning a little bit more about it. Because it’s one of the things I did in college and love to do. Just adds another value.”
The 22-year-old Vaughn has quickly become a fan favorite in Dallas because of his height (5-foot-5) and his heart. He had a very heartwarming arrival in Dallas as a rookie in 2023 and gave some great moments in preseason too (though Vaughn only played 61 total offensive snaps in the actual season).
Vaughn is often compared to the former NFL running back Sproles, who was similarly-sized at 5-foot-6 and has acted as a mentor of sorts to Vaughn over the last several years. Although Sproles never truly played as a wide receiver, he was an excellent pass-catching back who had nine straight seasons of 300 receiving yards or more (topping out at 710 in 2011).
For Vaughn, he caught 116 passes for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns in his three-year college career at Kansas State. Showing what he has to offer in the slot might be a good way for him to make a case for more playing time in Dallas next season.
