Even if you didn’t know Henry Melton played running back at the University of Texas, it becomes pretty clear when you watch film of him playing defensive tackle in the NFL, according to Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.
“You see some of those running back traits in terms of quickness, explosiveness, change of direction,” Garrett said, per the Dallas Morning News. “He was hurt last year and only played in three games. He’s coming off an ACL, but he played very well for Rod Marinelli a couple of years ago and I feel like we can get him to that place.”
Garrett is referring to the 2012 season, Marinelli’s last in Chicago. That year, Melton earned his first and (to this point) only Pro Bowl nod.
Garrett was asked if the Cowboys would consider bringing the 295-pound Melton in as a fullback on goal line situations--a fairly predictable question, given Melton’s experience as a college running back and the rise of other teams using defensive linemen in such situations. Suffice it to say, his response didn’t give much away.
“He was very quick to tell me that he was a running back, not a fullback in high school and college,’’ Garrett said. “That guy Jamaal Charles kinda got in his way down there at Texas. It was a long discussion and a long explanation.”
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