(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..
Kurt: I feel this is kind of two different things. Luepke isn't being overlooked as a possible multi-tool asset, but he's not a lead running back, which is what those projections are usually trying to determine in regards to the Cowboys roster.
After two seasons in Dallas, Schottenheimer is obviously very familiar with what Luepke can do, but that was in Mike McCarthy's offense. So now that Schottenheimer is in charge, the real question here is probably will he even want to use one of his valuable roster spots on a fullback? After all, fullbacks largely had very limited roles in his previous stints as an offensive coordinator with the Jets (2006-11), Rams (2012-14) and Seahawks (2018-20).
Which means Luepke will have to prove himself all over again. He's not going to see a huge jump in carries in the run game or catches in the passing attack, given the other options available, so will his blocking be better than, say, third-string tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, who is four inches taller and 15 pounds heavier?
However, there is one area that really could work in Luepke's favor. Last season, he ranked among the Cowboys' top 10 players in special teams snaps and led the club with 12 special teams tackles. If he can provide that same kind of production in the third phase of the game while continuing to improve as a multi-tool asset on offense, there will be a place for Luepke on the Cowboys. But he's definitely got work to do.
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