When the Cowboys selected Deuce Vaughn with the No. 212 pick in the 2023 draft, Cowboys Nation went abuzz. Not only was the Kansas State running back the son of longtime Dallas scout, Chris Vaughn, he was also one of the most electric players in college football over the past two years.
Imaginations raced as to how the Cowboys would use the 5–foot-6, 170-pound human pinball. Speculation ranged from third-down back, to slot receiver, to gadget man. Many even suggested as role as a return man on special teams.
While it remains to be seen what roles Vaughn will practice and play on offense, special teams coach John Fassel appears to be giving his rookie everything he can handle on special teams; up to and including kick and punt return duties.
Cowboys special teams coach John Fassel on Deuce Vaughn role: "Getting some punt return work in, kick return work in I think there’s some work for him in punt protection whether it's PP or wing and then like everybody let's see what he can do on kickoff."
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) May 13, 2023
Finding more ways to get the ball into the hands of Dallas’ shiniest new weapon seems like a winning strategy. The only problem is a couple things stand in the way:
- The Cowboys already have a Pro Bowl returner in KaVontae Turpin
- Vaughn has very limited experience returning kicks/punts in college