Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn quickly became a fan favorite the moment he was drafted for two big reasons:

At 5-foot-5, he's the ultimate NFL underdog. He's the shortest player ever measured in the Scouting Combine since data started being tracked in 2003. And on top of that, the story of him being the son of a Cowboys scout is right out of a fairy tale book. 

And let's face it. Watching him run among NFL athletes that actually look the part in terms of height probably makes us think "Hey, that could be me!" As somebody who's his exact size (don't tell anyone), I know it makes me smile from ear to ear.

But make no mistake: Vaughn is not only impressing fans but his coaches. Heading into the Cowboys' first preseason game of the year, head coach Mike McCarthy talked about Vaughn and how he's impressed through the first few weeks of training camp.

"He's really shown excellent versatility from special teams through offense," McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday. 

Although he didn't do much of it while in college at Kansas State, Vaughn has the traits to make an impact as a returner. He's got the shiftiness and elusiveness to go with the quickness that makes him unique. Of course, beating KaVontae Turpin for the role seems like too much to ask.

While Vaughn is expected to be involved on special teams in some way or another, it's his play as a running back that should intrigue fans the most. His college career was extraordinarily productive. He scored 43 total touchdowns in 34 career starts. Over his last two years as a Wildcat, he averaged 110 rushing yards per game.

But we all wonder, can he pass block in the NFL? Is his size going to derail expectations? 

"We all smile when he does pass protect," McCarthy said about the undersized running back. "Because you talk about the instincts, awareness, and most importantly the footwork to get yourself in position, he has that."

In the world of pass protection, it's about athleticism but also about smarts. When defensive coordinators call their favorite pressures on gameday, it's usually the running back they're trying to target. They're trying to force him to make a choice and punish him for choosing wrong.

McCarthy seems to believe Vaughn will be able to handle that if they ask him to block.

"He understands protections, very smart player," he added. "I've been very impressed with his pass protection. […] He's pro-ready. I have no concerns about Deuce."

All that's left is for Vaughn to prove it on game day. On Saturday, when the Cowboys play the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium, Vaughn will be one of the top players to watch. 

If he can prove physicality and pass protection won't be an issue in his NFL career, the Cowboys could be thinking of him as a big-time draft steal in the future.

Featured image via  Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports