Dallas Cowboys: 5 Big 12 Running Backs For Future

Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Aaron Green (22) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl against the Mississippi Rebels at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell/CFA Peach Bowl via USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys appear to be in the market for a new running back sooner than later, and there’s five, in particular, from the nearby Big 12 Conference that could be interesting as early as next season.

It’s ancient history now that 2014 NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray is long gone. In fact, there’s already been a preseason game to digest, which has given some concern about how adequate Murray’s replacement will be.

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Apparent starter Joseph Randle appears to have the physical tools to carry the load for the Dallas Cowboys this season, for whatever that’s worth. Amidst the expected ‘running back-by-committee’ approach for 2015, there’s few other faces that give Cowboys Nation a great deal of confidence moving forward.

On the other hand, some feel confident that there’s big things ahead for the third-year veteran out of Oklahoma State.

Granted, this could change dramatically by season’s end, but how much do you really see veteran free-agent acquisition Darren McFadden actually on the field? His physical ability aside, it’s the injury history that gives many pause, and rightly so. His age makes him a rather short-term addition to the Cowboys as well.

Lance Dunbar is an undersized third down back who should have a bigger season in ’15 than ever before, but is he a long-term – or short-term – answer at tailback? I don’t believe that the Mean Green record-holder has the frame for a featured role in the NFL.

Newcomers Gus Johnson and Lache Seastrunk shouldn’t be counted out, especially since they were the only two runners to appear in that lone preseason contest a week ago and it’s not like either was out of their element running in the NFL.

But one has to think that there’s a distinct possibility that a true franchise running back could be on the way sooner than later. The way the running back position has been devalued in today’s game, chances are good that Dallas might very well take a shot at a young runner even beyond the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft next April in Chicago.

If this is the case, and it’s still a rather large ‘if’ at this point, here’s a few names to remember and perhaps follow during the coming college football season.

The following backs vary in age and there’s no guarantee that some will forgo their final years of NCAA eligibility to enter the NFL.In fact, the top prospect on this list can’t even be had until the 2017 regular season, so patience might have to play a role.

Running backs are ranked from worst to best fit for the Dallas Cowboys offense.

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