Follow The Leader: Cowboys RB Tony Pollard Embracing New Role

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is now the leader of the room, with the former Memphis star adjusting to his new role with aplomb.

The Dallas Cowboys running back room has a new sheriff in town, with Tony Pollard taking over the starting role from the departed Ezekiel Elliott.

After sustaining a nasty leg/ankle injury in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers last season, many had doubts about Pollard coming into the offseason. But the former Memphis standout has hit the ground running and is ahead of schedule in his recovery. ... even though he's sitting out this week's minicamp and will wait to go at the end of July at Oxnard training camp.

But the successful rehab isn't the only thing that has caught head coach Mike McCarthy's eye.

"Tony is outstanding, he's got a lot of natural leadership, he's extremely bright, he's on top of it," McCarthy said. "Tony's frankly champing at the bit to get out there physically. I think he's done an outstanding job in the leadership role."

With no Zeke, Pollard has been catapulted into the leadership role. Still, it is deserving as he is coming off his first 1,000-rushing-yard season and had a career-high nine rushing touchdowns that culminated in his first Pro Bowl selection.

But he isn't the only running back making McCarthy stand up and take notice.

With Ronald Jones, Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis (and maybe Deuce Vaughn?) all fighting for the backup role behind Pollard, McCarthy has liked what each has done thus far during OTA's and at the beginning of minicamp.

"That's a room that I think they've all just really see the opportunity in front of them," McCarthy said. "I think the young guys, Malik and Rico have really stepped up, Deuce, I liked the way they have all approached it. The running back group has had a really good offseason."

With Pollard as the leading man and a quartet of running backs all looking to prove they belong on the 53-man roster, the battle throughout training camp will be fascinating. And it will all happen under the guidance of their new and improved leader in Pollard.

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