Dallas Cowboys

Lance Dunbar's name continues to surface in Cowboys' backfield

Published Jun. 16, 2015 11:58 a.m. ET

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Earlier this month during the Dallas Cowboys' OTA practices, running back Lance Dunbar drew praise from veteran leader Jason Witten. This wasn't the first time Dunbar has stood out in practice, either. Dunbar made a name for himself during training camp last season, but with DeMarco Murray in the picture, he could never carve out a role during the regular season. With Murray gone, Dunbar is beginning to separate himself on the practice field from the Cowboys' injured and unproven stable of running backs. Now, even head coach Jason Garrett is chirping about Dunbar's potential.

"Sometimes he doesn't play as many plays as some of the other guys, but when you look at his production within the plays that he has, it's usually pretty good," coach Jason Garrett said, per ESPN. "He's usually a difference maker. He's a really smart football player. He's talented. He's quick. He's fast and explosive, has great intuition and instincts for the game. We try to use him a lot of different ways, and when we have used him he's been effective for us. You're always trying to give those guys more opportunities."

Dunbar has been working to fill a specific role under offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, but the coach needs to feel comfortable putting him on the field for an extended time. In order to earn Linehan's trust, Dunbar knows that he needs to focus on the little things.

"We've been working on a lot of things with what I've been doing in the last few years but it hasn't really worked out," Dunbar said. "Just trying to get all the little details right. Hopefully the coaches decide that I can fit the role and produce in that role.

"I know what I can do," Dunbar said. "It's the little details and the coverages and how they're going to try to play me, what to do, how to react. But I feel like I've got everything down. I'm just working on the little things each and every day, so my time will come to where I can react the right way each time."

Dunbar is a spark plug at 205 pounds with a 4.47 40-yard-dash and a 35-inch vertical to his name. Put on the game tape, and you will see him put his excellent lateral agility and explosion on display. He is certainly not short of confidence in what he brings to the table.

Keep an eye on Dunbar as we work our way through the summer months. He could end up with a much bigger share of the Cowboys' backfield than some anticipate.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports