(Editor’s Note: With the offseason program in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead. As part of the preparation for training camp, this series will introduce 25 key players who are new to the Cowboys’ roster, rookies and veterans alike. We’ll continue with rookie running back Malik Davis.)
How He Got Here: Few running backs in the state of Florida had better careers than Davis during his time there. A product of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., Davis set the all-time leading rushing record in the county with over 7,000 yards and 83 touchdowns before committing to the University of Florida. Despite earning All-SEC Freshman Team honors with 526 rushing yards in 2017, Davis saw his next two seasons fall by the wayside due to injury. In total, Davis totaled nearly 2,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns across 46 games before the Cowboys picked up as a rookie free agent after the NFL Draft.
What’s Next: Davis was one of two undrafted rookie running backs the Cowboys signed, along with Harvard’s Aaron Shampklin. While the top of the depth chart is certainly occupied by Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard, there could be competition for the third spot behind the top two guys. Both Shampklin and Davis, as well as Rico Dowdlem and JaQuan Hardy all have seen significant reps during the offseason to state their cases. The pedigree is there with Davis during his time in Florida but could also see time on the practice squad to expand his game.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Prior to Florida, Davis earned the 2016 Hillsborough Offensive Player of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times during his senior season. On his way to a 5A state title appearance, Davis rushed for almost 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Rookie defensive end Mika Tafua led the Pac-12 in sacks last year on his way to joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He’ll push for a roster spot in training camp.
After a productive college career at two winning programs, Markaviest Bryant will look to crack the Cowboys’ D-Line rotation as an undrafted rookie
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From day one, football has always been part of Jake Ferguson’s life. Now he has a chance to live out his dream with the Cowboys — and possibly earn playing time right away.
Because of a plethora of injuries at receiver this offseason, rookies such as Ty Fryfogle were able to get plenty of reps this summer. But will that continue next month at training camp?
Rookie running back Aaron Shampklin got some extra offseason practice reps heading into a camp competition for a backup spot behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
With a name like Houston, who grew up in San Antonio, it’s only fitting at that Dennis Houston tries to land an NFL job in Dallas, showcasing his talents at wide receiver.
It’s no coincidence that John Ridgeway is the second defensive tackle drafted by the Cowboys since 2021 who weighs at least 320 pounds. Here’s a closer look at his potential role.
Jalen Tolbert is back from a minor hamstring injury and set to work through Cowboys’ minicamp. How high are the expectations for his rookie season?
After a strong ‘super senior’ season at Texas A&M, could Aaron Hansford be the next undrafted rookie linebacker to push for a roster spot in training camp?
The Cowboys used a fifth-round pick on a mammoth offensive tackle in 6’7, 305-pound Matt Waletzko. How likely is the rookie to contribute quickly?
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