It's amazing' – Brian Schottenheimer can't stop talking about 'incredible' Cowboys player in line for huge role in 2025
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is a passionate coach, and when he talks about his players, he isn't afraid to show it. Whether it's a veteran player slated to start or a rookie fighting for a spot on the roster, the 51-year-old coach will show his enthusiasm when discussing him. But when it comes […]
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is a passionate coach, and when he talks about his players, he isn't afraid to show it. Whether it's a veteran player slated to start or a rookie fighting for a spot on the roster, the 51-year-old coach will show his enthusiasm when discussing him.
But when it comes to fullback Hunter Luepke, he even has to preface his words by admitting to reporters he can't stop talking about him.
"I'm gonna say it again—you guys don't have to write it down because I know you're tired of hearing it—but Hunter Luepke is an incredible football player," Schottenheimer said Monday. "He really is. It's amazing."
Luepke is entering his third year in the NFL, and it's likely going to be the biggest one of his career. Based on early training camp practices and comments from his head coach, the former UDFA is going to play multiple positions in 2025. A fullback at heart, Luepke is lining up at tight end, slot receiver, and even out wide as the Cowboys gear up for the season in Oxnard, California.
"Just his instincts for the game and what he does and what he brings—and the fact that he's able to play three, four positions—is incredible to me," Schottenheimer added. "I can't say enough great things about him."
Last year, under Mike McCarthy, Luepke lined up at tight end in 40 snaps, but the usage wasn't as consistent as it appears it will be in 2025. But expect most of that to be as a blocker.
Schottenheimer explains Hunter Luepke's instincts as a blocker
Now, granted, most of the impact made by the former North Dakota State star won't happen with the ball in his hands. He's a terrific run blocker able to generate a lot of movement and come up with clutch blocks. Schottneheimer went into detail with an example from the Cowboys' first padded practice of the year.
"We run an outside zone play to our right—the offense's right," Schottenheimer described. "And basically, (Luepke) is supposed to block the support player, the strong safety who started down on the snap. The safety went running back because our defense does a really good job of disguising and rotating their shells, changing it up. So he started down, and Hunter's thinking, 'Okay, I’ve got to go block that guy. That’s my assignment.'
Forgive the camera work, but nice run from Miles Sanders here. pic.twitter.com/byLaJHszJk
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 27, 2025