Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Standouts and Roster Spots
By Reid Hanson
Sep 7, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks running back Gus Johnson (6) rushes against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back (5)
Joe Randle
Gus Johnson
Tyler Clutts
The Chris Johnson talk may be a little premature at this moment, but adding a veteran like Johnson, remains a very realistic possibility. Signing a veteran player before week 1 will automatically guarantee him money, but if the Cowboys wait until after week 1 of the regular season, they can pay for a veteran on a week-by-week basis.
Gus Johnson has been a bright part of Cowboys Camp so far. Standing 5’10” 215lbs, Gus “the Bus” Johnson has been thriving as a first-team goal line back. He plays with both force and awareness, which is invaluable in goal line situations.
Better yet, Gus Johnson is a strong pass protector and receiver out of the backfield, making him a valuable asset on 3rd downs as well. He may only make the team for 1 week of the regular season, but as of today, he makes the cut.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Jason Garrett loves the fullback position and it’s become very apparent FB Tyler Clutts going to make the team.
"“He’s a physical guy,” Jason Garrett said. “He’s a smart guy. He can play on (special) teams. He’s shown he can play on some third down situations as a protector, which is a really important thing with your running backs. Sometimes you want to keep a couple of your guys out of that situation as much as you can. Maybe you have an injury, and you have a guy like that who can go in and understands protections and kind of get you out of a game. That’s a really significant role.”"
Five RBs is one more than the Dallas Cowboys traditionally keep, but in an offense where the running game plays such a strong role, five may be what it takes to build a week 1 roster.
Next: TE: Geoff Swaim may be too good to cut