It’s clear that Justin Durant will be at the head of the pack at middle linebacker when training camp opens later this month in Oxnard, CA. What isn’t clear is if that’s the veteran’s strongest position.
“My strongest?” Durant said, per ESPN Dallas. “Probably not, just because I’m not as familiar with middle as outside.”
Durant played both in the middle and on the outside last year, finishing with 24 tackles, a pass defensed and a forced fumble. In the two years before coming to Dallas, he played on the outside as a member of the Detroit Lions and, in 2012, he posted a career-high 103 tackles.
After a season in Dallas, Durant’s ability to adapt has drawn praise from linebackers coach Matt Eberflus.
“The great thing about Justin is he can play all positions,” Eberflus said. “I don’t know if [middle linebacker]’s his strongest position, but I don’t know that it’s not his strongest position.”
To be sure, Eberflus says, Durant will only get better as a middle linebacker as he gets more reps there.
“I think that’s a real good fit for him,” he said. “He’s an intelligent young man. He plays the game in a smart way and he’s able to communicate and make the calls. The more he’s in there, the better off he feels and he’s making progress.”
Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe, text HELP for more info, and text STOP to end the subscription. Message and data rates may apply.Read more about it here.
