Following a quiet rookie campaign, Deuce Vaughn is aiming to become a more versatile piece of the Dallas Cowboys offense.
The 5-foot-6 running back took reps as a slot receiver during Thursday’s OTA practices. Vaughn told reporters he’s trying to “get 1 percent better” every day and wants to contribute however he can to stay on the field.
“It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year,” Vaughn said, per the team site. “Talking with [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] just a little bit about getting with the slot … and 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.”
Vaughn accrued 116 catches for 1,280 yards during three seasons at Kansas State. He secured all of his seven targets in as many games for the Cowboys last season.
The 22-year-old said he’s studied a “whole bunch” of Cole Beasley, a former 5-foot-8 slot wideout who spent seven seasons in Dallas.
“Not a big guy of prowess, but his IQ of the game, seeing coverages, being able to sit down in the zones, being able to understand how to beat leverage is unreal,” Vaughn said of Beasley.
After playing just 61 snaps on offense last year, Vaughn will compete for more opportunities in a wide-open Cowboys backfield. He’ll join Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Royce Freeman in a group effort to replace Tony Pollard.
Vaughn believes the unit will benefit from a committee approach.
“I feel like we all complement each other really well. We all do everything great,” Vaughn said. “Just having those guys and those fresh legs throughout the year, it’s only going to help us.”