Dallas Cowboys: 5 Big 12 Running Backs For Future

Sep 21, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Johnathan Gray (32) celebrates his touchdown giving the Longhorn salute to the crowd against the Kansas State Wildcats during the third quarter of a football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Johnathan Gray (Sr) – University of Texas (5’11”  215)

As much as I’d like to project Johnathan Gray a little later on this list, I simply can’t do so. The volume of work simply isn’t there.

Formerly a high school superstar less than an hour’s drive from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Gray arrived at Austin as one of the most decorated running backs in Texas high school football history.

But heading into his senior season with the Longhorns, Gray has yet to cross the 1,000 yard mark as part of a constant rotation of backs at UT.

An Achilles injury suffered in 2013 could further limit Gray’s opportunities in the NFL, but provided he has the big senior season that second-year head coach Charlie Strong is hoping for, Gray could still find himself in the discussion as an early-round draft selection.

The volume of work is limited at Texas, but what’s there is certainly impressive.

The video illustrates a gorgeous draw play in which Gray makes a sudden cut just beyond the line of scrimmage that gives you a jolt in the gut when you see it the first time, especially from the backfield angle.

No other running back in the nation has more at stake that Gray. Now approaching two years since the devastating injury in November ’13, Gray might finally get that full season as the undisputed king of the Longhorns backfield.

At this point, there’s no telling where Gray will be drafted – or if he’ll even be drafted at all.

But if things go his way and Gray is an early round pick, Dallas would have to be tempted to grab a running back that might literally take over the backfield in very short order.

This running back would potentially be a franchise runner as he possesses the speed, power and all other intangibles to be a true leader in the backfield as quarterback Tony Romo’s career begins to wind down in the next few seasons.

Last week I wrote about the fact that a dominant season may not be in the cards for Gray given the numerous circumstances facing this restructuring program. This is precisely why he could fall into the desired range for America’s Team.

Next: Heading Back North To Waco