Cowboys 'Lot of Interest' in Small School Running Back

The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly expressed interest in South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis.

SDSU running back Isaiah Davis (22) runs with the ball Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota. / Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA

As smoke forms around a potential reunion between the Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott, America's Team is continuing to look at ball carriers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

One such player is South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis, who rushed for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry this past season.

According to Sportskeeda, the Cowboys have "shown a lot of interest" in Davis throughout the pre-draft process, joining the New York Jets and Denver Broncos as other teams pursuing the 6-0, 218-pound runner.

SDSU running back Isaiah Davis (22) runs with the ball Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota. / Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA

Davis was named co-Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and earned first-team all-conference honors for the second consecutive season.

A team captain in 2023, Davis brings a combination of leadership and proven production - along with an acceptable athletic profile spearheaded by a 4.57 40-yard dash, 23 reps on the bench press, a 34.5" vertical jump and a 9'11" broad jump.

At his pro day March 27, Davis timed 4.27 seconds in the short shuttle but stood on all of his other NFL Combine numbers. He turned in an impressive on-field performance for the teams in attendance, of which there were 27.

"He looked exceptional catching the ball and was very smooth in ball-carrying drills," Sportskeeda writes.

Davis, who also participated in the Reese's Senior Bowl, is currently projected as a Day 3 draft pick. NFL.Com gives him a grade of 6.14, which slots him into the category of a good backup with potential to develop into a starter.

And for the Cowboys, who have significant questions in the backfield, both the floor and ceiling of Davis may prove too tempting to pass over come late April's draft.