FRISCO - This year's Dallas Cowboys may not be running back by committee, but more running back by ... surprise.
In 2025 for the the third consecutive season the Cowboys will have a different leading rusher. Tony Pollard left in free agency for the Tennessee Titans and Rico Dowdle has now bolted for the Carolina Panthers, leaving Dallas to find its new No. 1 to replace a 1,000-yard back.
While former head coach Mike McCarthy preached a "committee," new boss Brian Schottenheimer desires a feature back. But so far, his roster is many pieces without a priority.
Having already signed free agents Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders and with Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis still hanging around, the Cowboys this week met with a running back they could be eyeing in next month's NFL Draft.
At the Big XII Conference Pro Days at the Ford Center in The Star, Dallas met informally with Texas Tech leading rusher Tahj Brooks.
"It was a great meeting, great knowledge," Brooks said. "I would love to get drafted here. It's a great city. It'd be a blessing."
He led Tech with 1,505 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, and was 10th in college football with 1,704 all-purpose yards. He finished his career in Lubbock as the Red Raiders' all-time leading rusher.
Related: Cowboys New Micah Parsons Contract Proposal by Media Hits $186 Million
Says NFL.com of Brooks' draft prospects: "He's a stout runner and workhorse. Brooks runs low to the ground with a powerful base and instant cut quickness to shake tacklers or elude them in tight quarters. He can keep a run alive but doesn't have the stride length or acceleration to create space and run away from a rally-hard defense, which could turn him into more of a try-hard grinder."
Who knows, maybe the Cowboys' revamped running back group will have a need for a "try-hard grinder."
Related: Why'd Cowboys Lose Out On $36 Million Cornerback?
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 9:17 AM.