Dez Bryant, Cowboys fans have ‘Deuce Mania’ as former K-State running back stars again

Accomplishments in an NFL preseason game do not guarantee regular-season success will follow, but Dallas Cowboys fans are smitten with what they’ve seen from Deuce Vaughn.

David Moore of the Dallas Morning-News wrote Saturday night: “Deuce Mania taking hold ahead of the regular season.”

Vaughn, the former Kansas State running back, was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. On Saturday, Vaughn scored his second touchdown of the preseason on a sweet 14-yard run against the Seattle Seahawks.

Like many Dallas fans, former All-Pro Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant shared his excitement about the ex-Wildcats running back.

Vaughn has rushed for 64 yards in 13 attempts in the two Cowboys preseason games, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

“I feel like I was more comfortable as far as playing faster,” Vaughn told reporters after the 22-14 loss at Seattle, per FanNation. “Last week, I felt like there was a couple times, whether it was in pass protection or running the football, I wasn’t playing as fast because I was thinking a little more. But another game under my belt and I felt like I played faster.”

The Athletic’s Jon Machota and Saad Yousuf shared their thoughts on the Cowboys after Saturday’s game, and they see Vaughn making Dallas’ roster.

“Nothing more needs to be seen from the rookie running back in the preseason,” they wrote. “The sixth-round pick is not only a lock to make the roster, he has set himself up to have a notable offensive role. After making multiple defenders look foolish in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Vaughn followed it up with an even better highlight run for a 14-yard touchdown Saturday.

“He turned heads throughout training camp, but there’s some projecting when players aren’t being tackled to the ground. In two preseason games, Vaughn has made it clear that what he did at Kansas State can absolutely translate to the NFL.”

Jon Herndon of FanSided’s Cowboys blog, The Landry Hat, has Vaughn on his projected 53-man roster.

“The opposing team will have a hard time dealing with Deuce Vaughn, as he poses a significant matchup problem in stretch plays, draws, and even blitz busting,” Herndon wrote.