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Even though running back DeMarco Murray has only played three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, his short career has been filled with hype and disappointment.
The running backs coach for Dallas, Gary Brown, recently stated on the team’s website that he believes that Murray is one of the better backs in the league and that he just needs to prove himself. It may seem that Murray has been in the NFL forever and has had plenty of time to prove himself, but part of that perception is due to the fact that the 26-year-old back has been sidelined with injuries every season that he has played.
When Murray was selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected one of the better options at running back even with his injury history in college. Murray had a monster final season with the Oklahoma Sooners totaling 1,214 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 594 receiving yards and five touchdown passes caught. It is easy to see why the Cowboys put so much faith into the young running back.
Even though he only played 13 games in his first season, Murray looked like he would be a solid option for fantasy football players to invest in. Murray racked up 895 rushing yards in his rookie season, but only scored two total touchdowns. In his sophomore campaign, the young back only managed to play in 10 games and rushed for 663 yards with four touchdowns.
In 2013, Murray finished as a top-10 back with 1,124 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 350 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He still only played in 14 games, but Murray finally was able to have a solid fantasy season. In college, the former running back for the Sooners had two seasons where he had 500 or more receiving yards.
Dallas may want to take note of that, as having Murray more involved in the passing game will help to protect him and keep him healthy.
There is no denying that Murray is talented, but if he is going to be considered one of the better backs in the league, he will need to finish a complete season. If you want Murray on your fantasy football team, make sure he isn’t your top option at running back until he can fully prove himself.
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.Rantsports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
