National Football League

Witten: Cowboys RB Randle "has grown a lot"

Published May. 17, 2015 2:09 p.m. ET

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The departure of DeMarco Murray to Philadelphia left the Cowboys in a challenging spot to replace the production of the league's leading rusher in 2014. With a slew of running backs in the Cowboys stable, three-year pro Joseph Randle is one candidate Jason Witten has confidence in.

"I think Joe Randle, when he had opportunities last year, really showed what he can do," Witten said Sunday at his eponymous football camp.

The problem with Joseph Randle isn't so much his on-field performance. Though he only saw 51 carries in his spot duty behind Murray, Randle averaged 6.7 yards per carry, which was not only the highest on the team, but also had the highest yards per carry of any player in the NFL with 40 to 55 carries.

Concerns with Randle are in his life outside of football. On Oct. 13, 2014, after the Cowboys beat the Seahawks in Seattle, Frisco police arrested Randle for shoplifting at a local mall. After the Cowboys' season ended in the divisional playoffs, police in Wichita, Kansas arrested Randle for unlawful marijuana possession, which was prompted by a domestic violence call from a 22-year-old woman to 911.

The fear is as talented as Randle is in football, his behavior and conduct would negate his ability. But Witten has faith in him.

"He's had good workouts," Witten said. "I can tell he's focused often. I think he sees the opportunity that he has in front of him. I think he wants everybody to have that trust in him that he can be the guy.

"I think Joe's grown a lot since what's happened last year and embraced this opportunity that he has in front of him."

The competition won't be easy. Free agent running back Darren McFadden has "bought in" to what the Cowboys' philosophy, according to Witten, who also says Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar are in the mix.

"I'm excited to see how it plays out. I think more than anything: competition. Coach Garrett has tried to do a really good job of giving us competition and having us compete. It's a position we're all excited to see where it will go."

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