6 days ago
Former UNC running back the favorite for Dallas Cowboys' starting gig
Can you imagine starting for the Dallas Cowboys?
Javonte Williams "continues to see the most reps with the starters", per @ RB1 spot is getting clearer in Dallas 👀
North Carolina is quickly earning a reputation for their running backs over the years and sending them to the NFL
UNC's most recent backfield addition to the NFL is Omarion Hampton, who became the Los Angeles Chargers' 22nd overall pick in April. Before Hampton, North Carolina sent the likes of Ty Chandler, Michael Carter and Javonte Williams to the NFL.
Only Williams, who rushed for 1,140 yards during the Tar Heels' 2020 season, remains as a starting-caliber NFL back.
Williams, now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, is all-but-confirmed as Dallas' 2025 starter. On Monday, Jon Machota of The Athletic said Williams is emerging as the Cowboys' RB1 option, thanks to a strong Training Camp.
Williams, who didn't play in Dallas' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, signed a 1-year deal earlier in the offseason. Williams is competing against Deuce Vaughn, Jaydon Blue and former 1,000-yard rusher Miles Sanders for the Cowboys' starting job.
Williams made an immediate impact for the Denver Broncos during his rookie season, rushing for a career-high 903 yards and four touchdowns. Since suffering a knee injury early in 2022, Williams bounced between starting action and bench production.
During Denver's long-awaited return to the NFL Postseason in 2024, Williams found the end zone four times, tying his rookie high and hinting at increased production.
Dallas made a head-scratching decision to release Ezekiel Elliott after 2023 – and hasn't found consistent backfield production since. Williams might not be the Cowboys' running back of their future, but the former UNC back has a great chance to prove himself as that guy in 2025.
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