(Editor’s Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in ‘Mailbag’ presented by Miller Lite.)
Having read the articles dealing with the projected running back competition, why is Hunter Luepke being overlooked? It seems for what Brian Schottenheimer is trying to promote, Luepke fits the bill – blocking back, short-yardage threat, out-of-the-backfield receiver and a backup at the tight end position. Despite limited opportunities, he has proven he is an asset. – Bruce Holden /Bowie, MD
Nick: At this point, I don’t think you can rule anyone out of the competition at any position, especially Luepke. This is a new coaching staff with new philosophies and ideas on how to get the job done. With that, they have different visions for every player on the team.
What I think I know about Klayton Adam’s and what he’s trying to do in the running game, it would seem that someone like Luepke would have a role. I thought his value started to increase last year when he became more of a hybrid player that was used as a tight end and fullback, which is pretty much what an H-back does.
The bottom line is this… If Hunter Luepke can figure out a way to run the ball effectively when he gets the chance, make a few catches out of the backfield, pick up the blitz when he’s the blocker, and of course, play some special teams, there will always be a role for that kind of player on this team. I can’t sit here and say he’s going to be the starting running back but he should have a role because he does so many things..