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Deuce Vaughn is cooking in Cowboys camp — but can he finally break through?

The former Kansas State star is turning heads in Oxnard, but with a crowded backfield and past struggles on game day, the real test is still to come.
ByBen Spicer|
Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) makes a catch during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) makes a catch during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Deuce Vaughn is making his presence felt in Oxnard.

The former Kansas State standout has been one of the early surprises of Dallas Cowboys training camp, showcasing the quickness and vision that made him a nightmare for Big 12 defenses.

“He’s been quick to the hole, explosive out of his cuts, and hellbent on getting downfield fast,” one team beat writer noted.

But the big question remains: Can he keep it up when the pads come on?

Vaughn’s talent has never been in doubt. His production at Kansas State was elite. But translating that to the NFL has been a challenge. In 14 career games, Vaughn has rushed 40 times for 110 yards and added 10 catches for 58 yards. Those numbers don’t jump off the page — but this summer, the opportunity is wide open.

With the Cowboys’ backfield depth chart in flux, every rep matters. There’s no established No. 1. Vaughn knows it, and he’s wasting no time making his case.

His football roots run deep. His father, Chris Vaughn, played college ball at Murray State and now works as a scout for the Cowboys. Before that, he coached at Arkansas, Ole Miss, Memphis, and Texas. So Deuce grew up around the game — and he’s playing like a guy who’s been preparing for this shot his whole life.

At Kansas State, Vaughn rewrote the record books. He left Manhattan as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,280) by a running back. He ranks second in career rushing yards (3,604), 100-yard games (21), and total touchdowns (43). He’s top five in almost every major category. Simply put: he was a star.

Back at K-State, the Wildcats are reloading — and once again leaning on their backfield. Junior Dylan Edwards headlines a deep, talented group that could be the most dangerous in the Big 12. With a blend of speed, power, and experience, Kansas State has the pieces to control games on the ground.

The national buzz is real. The Wildcats open the season ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason poll, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — tops among Big 12 programs.

And the opener? It’s a global spotlight. Kansas State and Iowa State will square off in an international edition of the “Farmageddon” rivalry. For K-State, it’s a chance to make an early statement.

If the running backs live up to the hype — just like Deuce Vaughn is trying to do in Dallas — don’t be surprised if the Wildcats are right in the mix for another Big 12 title run.